this post was submitted on 17 May 2026
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Science Memes
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Some species, like rodents who reproduce stupidly fast, will eat their own young when under stress to recoup lost nutrients because they can't easily take their brood on the road to a safer location. It's easier to just start over with a new batch.
I had a collegue who would always tell children running in front of cars: "You're faster reproduced than repaired."
"This baby is easier to move as my own fat ass."
-Hamsters
Some egg-laying species do this as well. Oh, your survival is at stake and there's now a chance you won't be able to protect your brood of eggs? Best to cut your losses and chow down on your babies while you're still around. Best case, you have the hardware to make more and the nutrients are put back to use.