Infanticide can be a means to ensure the survival of the specie. Many species practice infanticide: mammals, rodents, primates, insects, amphibians, and fish. Scientist believe that infanticide can reap benefits. Infanticide stimulates the desire to reproduce. Therefore, the population increases. Infanticide can also be used as a survival tactic. The killing of infants can enable access to limited resources such as food. Other reasons for practicing infanticide include enforcing dominance, increasing mating opportunities, reducing population and controlling sex ratios.
References:
BBC Nature. "Why killing infants can benefit animals." 2012. Web. 19 Mar 2013. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/18035811>.
Wright, Jonathan. "Wild Animals: Animals that kill their young, dominant animals, cot deaths." n.d.. Web. 19 Mar 2013. <http://en.allexperts.com/q/Wild-Animals-705/Animals-kill-young.htm>.
BBC Nature. "Why killing infants can benefit animals." 2012. Web. 19 Mar 2013. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/18035811>.
Wright, Jonathan. "Wild Animals: Animals that kill their young, dominant animals, cot deaths." n.d.. Web. 19 Mar 2013. <http://en.allexperts.com/q/Wild-Animals-705/Animals-kill-young.htm>.
