Final answer:
Parental investment is the time, energy, and resources a parent devotes to the upbringing of their offspring to enhance their survival and chances of reproduction. While this term generally applies to biology, in human societies, the concept also translates to how household resources are managed, affecting the welfare of children.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term parental investment refers to the expenditure of time, energy, and resources that a parent makes in raising their offspring to increase their chances of survival and reproductive success. In biological terms, parental investment can range from the moment of conception through the nurturing and protection of the young until they become independent. This can involve different behaviors like feeding, teaching, and defending the offspring. In many species, it is observed that mothers typically make a larger parental investment in each offspring than males. This implies that mothers often spend more time nurturing and caring for their young compared to fathers, an action that can affect the survival rates and health of the offspring.
Parental care varies significantly across species. For example, most species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles provide no care to their offspring, while in birds and mammals, it is common for parents to be more involved. The level of care provided often has a direct impact on the offspring's likelihood of survival and future success. When it comes to human households, the control over family income also influences outcomes. Studies show that when mothers control a larger share of household resources, there is a tendency for the family to make healthier consumption choices, and the children's health is also likely to improve.
Therefore, parental investment and control over resources are critical factors in the survival and well-being of offspring, whether in animal species or human society.