Biology
Cooperative breeding and alloparental care in meerkats
Quick fact
In meerkat groups, subordinate helpers will sometimes feed pups that are not their own offspring, and they even babysit at the burrow while the rest of the group forages—often skipping meals themselves to do so.
Why this is interesting
Meerkats stand on their hind legs, scanning for predators while others forage—but the real surprise is who takes care of whom. Why would a meerkat risk its own safety to look after pups that aren't its own?