Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

precocial

Adjective

/prɪˈkoʊ.ʃəl/

Definition

Referring to animals that are born in a relatively mature state and are able to move around shortly after birth.

Examples

Ducklings are precocial and can walk and swim shortly after hatching.
The young of many ground-nesting birds are precocial, ready to explore their surroundings soon after they are born.

Meaning

Precocial describes species, particularly in the animal kingdom, whose young are developed enough at birth to be mobile and self-sufficient, as opposed to altricial species that are born in a helpless state.