Answer to Question 1
Couvade is the condition in which fathers experience the symptoms of pregnancy
and birth. Answers as to benefits to the family will vary, but could include such things
as ensuring an easy birth, helping to keep the mother calm, and helping with
communication between the partners about the pregnancy.
Answer to Question 2
Teratology is the study of birth defects. Risk analysis is a complex scientific method
which evaluates the chances that a particular teratogen will affect the fetus. There
are many factors involved in this analysis including the health of the mother, the
substances that will cross the placenta from mother to fetus, prenatal care, etc. Over
10,000 animal and human studies have shown that hundreds of teratogens exist.
Teratogens include diseases, drugs, environmental pollutants, stress, malnutrition,
poor living conditions, etc. The answer should also explain that behavioral
teratogens are those which lead specifically to behavioral or social problems.
Various members of the Sciuridae family
An Orb-weaver spider, Family: Araneidae
The Mulleta family of Ethiopia, described in the opening vignette.
Family Structure: U.S. Families with Children under Age 18 Headed by Mothers, Fathers and Both ...
Hormones Controlling Pregnancy