Page 94 - One Million Things: Animal Life - The Incredible Visual Guide

LIFE HISTORIES GOLDEN EAGLE
When a golden eagle chick hatches, like
many young birds, it is small and helpless.
For 10 weeks it remains in or near the nest,
After it hatches from an egg or is born, an animal dependent on its predator parents to feed
grows and develops until it becomes a mature adult it pieces of meat. When its wing feathers
that can breed. Some young animals, including mammals, develop, the young eagle starts to fly and hunt.
birds, and fish, bear a resemblance to their parents, and Once mature, males and females pair for life.
their life histories simply involve growth to adult size.
In contrast, the life history of animals such as insects 1. The newly
and amphibians involves a metamorphosis hatched chick
(transformation) through several distinct stages. is covered with
white, downy
feathers.

2. After a few
weeks the
eagle chick
has grown
COW rapidly on
Mammals develop inside their mother’s body, a diet of
are born, and then feed on her milk. Cattle and fresh meat.
horses are born well developed, getting to their
feet soon after birth. They grow and develop over
the following years until they, too, can breed. Other
mammals, such as foxes and mice, are born blind
and helpless. They need constant parental care,
and change shape as they grow.

3. The young
eagle is almost
ready to fly.
The parent
ignores its
Cow stays offspring
close to her begging
offspring for food.

Calf is a
smaller
version of
its parent
4. The eagle
has reached
maturity and
can fly and
hunt for
food.

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