Why do parents of raptors kill for their young?

The answer revolves around the fundamental behaviors and survival strategies of raptors as they raise their young. Parents of raptors hunt and kill not primarily out of their own hunger, but rather to provide sustenance for their offspring. This behavior is driven by the instinct to ensure that the young have enough nutrition to grow and eventually learn to hunt for themselves.

While it may seem like the parents are acting based on their hunger, the primary motivation is their responsibility to feed their chicks. The need to feed their young is critical for the survival of the species, as healthy and well-nourished chicks have a higher chance of surviving to adulthood. This hunting behavior is a calculated part of the reproductive strategy in raptors, emphasizing a selfless act for the benefit of the next generation rather than fulfilling their own immediate needs.

In contrast, other choices imply motivations that do not accurately reflect the parental role in hunting behavior, ranging from instinctual hunger linked to the parents themselves, to teaching specific skills, or demonstrating hierarchy. While teaching and dominance can play roles in the broader context of raptor behavior, the direct act of hunting for their young is primarily an altruistic endeavor driven by the need to ensure the survival of their offspring.