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licking behavior

the licking by an animal of itself or another animal, particularly an offspring. Licking behavior appears to be part of the maternal behavior of many mammals; the pregnant female licks itself before giving birth, then licks the offspring, thereby establishing a means of identifying its own young. Licking of the offspring’s urine may serve to maintain the female in fluid homeostasis during lactation.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

substitution hypothesis

substitution hypothesis

see alteration hypothesis.