Final answer:
A doe typically nurses her kits several times a day, especially when they are very young. This frequent nursing supports the kits' growth and development, and is part of the broader spectrum of parental care that includes protection and sheltering behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of mammalian parental care, a doe normally nurses her kits (young) multiple times a day, specifically in the first few weeks of life. Newborn mammals are often born helpless and require significant parental care to survive and thrive. For instance, a doe might nurse their young about every few hours in the initial stages post-birth, as the kits are dependent on their mother's milk for nutrients and antibodies. It is crucial for the survival of the species that the offspring are adequately cared for, which includes frequent nursing to ensure proper growth and development.
Parental care is not limited to feeding but also includes protection from predators, and making a sheltered environment such as a nest. In some species, interesting defensive behaviors are employed, such as the killdeer bird, which feigns injury to lead predators away from its nest to protect its chicks. These strategies reflect the varied mechanisms parents employ to enhance the survivability of their young.