Final Answer:
A female might resort to infanticide due to various factors, including resource scarcity, environmental stress, or the perceived inability to care for offspring. In some cases, it can be an adaptive strategy to ensure the survival of the mother and her existing offspring by prioritizing available resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a female faces challenges in finding sufficient food or other essential resources, she may resort to infanticide as a means of conserving resources for herself and her existing offspring.
Environmental Stress: Harsh environmental conditions or external threats can compel a female to eliminate offspring that may be at risk or struggle to survive in the given circumstances. A mother may engage in infanticide if she perceives her inability to adequately care for her offspring. This can be influenced by factors such as physical health, lack of support, or an unfavorable environment.
Infanticide, in certain situations, may be an adaptive strategy to enhance the overall reproductive success of a female by ensuring the survival and well-being of her existing offspring.