Allomothering

Allomothering, "Alloparental", "Infant Handling", or non-maternal infant care, is performed by any group member other than the mother or genetic father and thus is distinguished from parental care. It is a widespread phenomenon among mammals and birds. Depending on age-sex composition of groups alloparents, helpers or "handlers" can be non-reproductive males in polyandrous systems, reproductive or non-reproductive adult females, young or older juveniles or older siblings interested in abetting their own genetic material via their siblings (Theory of Inclusive Fitness). Allomothering comprises a wide variety of behaviours including but not limited to: carrying, provisioning, grooming, touching, nursing (allonursing) and protecting the infants from predators or conspecifics.