Parenting can be bad for the kids
At least, from a genetic point of view
Parents often fret about whether they are doing their jobs properly. Take too hands-off an approach and the kids will grow up feral. Smother them with attention, though, and the risk is of raising offspring unable to function on their own.
This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Helicopter beetles”
From the May 27th 2023 edition
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