Siblicide

Siblicide is a term denoting the act of killing an infant individual by its close relatives (full or half siblings). It may occur directly between siblings or be mediated by the parents. The evolutionary drivers may stem from resource competition, sexual conflict, or reproductive rivalry.

Overview

Siblicide can be divided into two types. The first is obligate siblicide, which is when a sibling almost always ends up being killed. The second is facultative siblicide, which is when a sibling is killed under certain circumstances, usually related to environmental conditions.

In Animals

Siblicide is quite common in the animal kingdom. It is seen in many species of birds and mammals, as well as in some species of amphibians and reptiles. In some species, the parents encourage siblicide, while in others, the parents do nothing to stop it.

In Humans

In humans, siblicide can occur as a result of parental neglect, abuse, or maltreatment. It can also occur as a result of a sibling rivalry that escalates into violence.

See Also

• Infanticide
• Filicide
• Fratricide
• Sororicide

References

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Siblicide

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  Nazca booby chick and egg