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

May 8th 2024

glossosynthesis

n. the creation of nonsense words.