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Exploring Offspring Cannibalism in the Animal Kingdom: Surprising Survival Strategies

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Cannibalism, a widely regarded taboo across human societies, takes on a surprising twist when examining the animal kingdom, especially when it involves the consumption of their own young. This phenomenon, known as offspring cannibalism, is observed in various species, including mammals, birds, and spiders. Since this behaviour appears to be harmful to a species’ survival, scientists have long struggled to comprehend its causes. Surprisingly, infanticide is known to occur in up to one-third of mammal species. 

The factors influencing offspring cannibalism are multifaceted and often linked to specific environmental conditions. Here, we delve into some instances of such behavior in the animal kingdom, shedding light on the peculiar circumstances that drive these actions.

  1. Polar Bears:

Climate change has forced polar bears to take drastic steps to survive. Although not entirely related to climate change, polar bear cannibalism has increased as a result of declining habitats. Polar bears are compelled to engage in cannibalism as ice floes recede because it limits their access to their main food source, seals. When seal numbers are declining and the struggle for survival is at its height, this behaviour is most prevalent in the spring and summer.

  1. Chimpanzees:

Despite their propensity for herbivorous behaviour, chimpanzees occasionally engage in cannibalism, usually by eating young children. This behaviour is most prevalent during confrontations between chimpanzee groups. It is believed to be connected to male competitiveness for mating opportunities and breeding techniques. To boost their own chances of reproducing, males will sometimes murder and eat the young of other females. The complicated interaction between territorial disputes and the goal to improve reproductive success is reflected in this behaviour. 

  1. Lions:

Lions engage in cannibalism, mainly to demonstrate social dominance. When a new male takes over a lion pride, he often kills existing cubs to prevent investing resources in unrelated offspring and to breed with the lionesses more quickly. While cannibalism is less common in lions, it’s theorized that up to a quarter of all cubs fall victim to this behavior.

  1. Hamsters:

Pet hamsters, despite their adorable appearance, can exhibit cannibalistic tendencies, particularly when faced with extreme food scarcity. As a survival tactic to replace vital nutrients lost during pregnancy and nursing, mother hamsters may turn to eating their own young. This behaviour demonstrates their natural ability to adapt to difficult environments and the importance of self-preservation.

  1. Blenny Fish:

Male blenny fish, known for their active involvement in parenting duties and safeguarding their eggs, reveal a surprising facet of their behavior when faced with inadequate egg numbers.  In such cases, a fascinating transformation takes place that is motivated by a biological need to improve breeding prospects. This phenomenon manifests as cannibalism, a rare occurrence among these fish, and is more likely to unfold when the quantity of eggs is notably scarce.

  1. Prairie Dogs:

Among prairie dogs, particularly the black-tailed variety, a notable inclination toward infanticide is observed. In this context, female relatives of a mother occasionally engage in the grim act of killing and consuming her offspring when she is away foraging. This seemingly brutal behavior serves several intricate purposes—it conserves valuable resources, fosters cooperative caregiving, and potentially acts as a preemptive safeguard against sibling infanticide within the family.

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Business

Vanessa Kirby Personifies Sarah Burton’s Givenchy at the Fall 2025 Show

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Vanessa Kirby made a striking appearance at Sarah Burton’s highly anticipated inaugural Givenchy runway show for Fall 2025, embodying the essence of the designer’s vision. As a longtime admirer of Burton’s work, the Fantastic Four: First Steps star was eager to witness the debut collection in Paris.

“I really wanted to be here in Paris for Sarah’s first show,” Kirby expressed with enthusiasm. “Sarah has been my favorite designer for years. I absolutely love everything she does—I think she’s a master. She designs clothes truly for women—always extraordinary, feline, and structured in a way that makes you feel so empowered.”

Having collaborated with Burton throughout her tenure at Alexander McQueen, Kirby’s presence at the show was a testament to their ongoing creative synergy. Dressed in a sleek black ensemble with sharp shoulders and a plunging V-neck, Kirby’s outfit embodied Burton’s signature aesthetic: a balance of strength and femininity. “The dress we chose felt very classic—the shape felt architectural and strong, but also daytime and relaxed,” she noted.

Following the intimate runway presentation, Kirby joined an exclusive gathering of fashion and film’s elite at a celebratory dinner honoring Burton’s Givenchy debut. Among the attendees were Rooney Mara, Gwendoline Christie, Raye, Alex Consani, and Yseult, all raising a toast to the designer’s new chapter.

Reflecting on the experience, Kirby shared her admiration for the energy of Paris Fashion Week. “I associate Paris with the amazing shows that happen every year. The shows themselves feel like a real reveal—seeing what Sarah has been working on for months for her first Givenchy collection. Everyone was so excited to see her vision.”

With Burton’s Givenchy era now officially underway, Kirby’s presence at the event was a fitting tribute to the designer’s ability to craft powerful, empowering fashion for the modern woman.

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Entertainment

Paris Fashion Week, Day Three: Poise and Manners in Motion

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The third day of Paris Fashion Week saw designers exploring the intricate relationship between gestures and clothing, emphasizing how fashion is not just about what we wear but also how we wear it. Collections from Tom Ford, Dries Van Noten, and Courrèges examined the power of poise, movement, and expression in shaping the narrative of style.

Tom Ford: Seductive Refinement

At Tom Ford, the runway exuded understated sensuality with structured silhouettes, slinky fabrics, and sharp tailoring. The collection celebrated the way garments move with the body, emphasizing controlled elegance and effortless allure. The balance between precision and fluidity played a key role in defining the brand’s signature poise.

Dries Van Noten: The Art of Subtle Motion

Dries Van Noten explored grace in everyday movements, showcasing fluid draping, asymmetry, and layered textures that interacted beautifully with body language. Models glided down the runway in sheer overlays, deconstructed tailoring, and muted tones, creating an atmosphere of quiet sophistication.

Courrèges: A Futuristic Take on Gesture

At Courrèges, the focus was on modern minimalism and futuristic silhouettes that adapted to movement. With high collars, sculptural cuts, and sleek monochromes, the collection emphasized how posture and poise can transform a garment. The interplay between rigid and flowing elements created a striking contrast, reinforcing the theme of fashion as an extension of personal expression.

Final Thoughts: Fashion as a Language of Movement

Day three of Paris Fashion Week proved that style is more than aesthetics—it’s about the way clothing interacts with the body and the world around it. From structured confidence at Tom Ford to fluid elegance at Dries Van Noten and futuristic sophistication at Courrèges, each collection redefined the poise and manners of fashion in its own unique way.

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Business

Rabanne Fall/Winter 2025: A 1960s Beauty Revival

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Rabanne’s Fall/Winter 2025 show was a glamorous throwback to 1960s Paris, with big bouffant hair and bold, smoky eyes dominating the runway. The iconic French-girl aesthetic was on full display, blending vintage inspiration with modern edge.

The Makeup: Statement Eyes & Subtle Rebellion

Rabanne Beauty’s creative director, Diane Kendal, crafted a striking yet effortless makeup look that channeled icons like Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve. Models wore slightly winged, waterline eyeliner and taupe-hued smoky eyeshadow, smudged across the lids and under the eyes for a soft but dramatic effect.

Kendal, known for pushing beauty boundaries, chose to highlight natural skin while focusing on bold eye makeup—a subtle rebellion against the typical all-over glam seen on high-fashion runways. This “done-yet-undone” style perfectly complemented Rabanne’s flamboyant fabrics, sparkles, and sequins.

Hair: The Return of the Bouffant

Fluffy, voluminous bouffants were the crowning statement of the show. The models’ teased, combed-back hair added a touch of vintage glamour, reinforcing the collection’s nostalgic yet playfully modern feel.

Rabanne’s Beauty Revolution

Rabanne Beauty continues to redefine makeup with gender-neutral, statement-making products. The runway featured some of its standout offerings, including:

Shimmer Bomb – An all-over glitter spray for an extra dose of Rabanne’s signature glitz.

Top Coat Mascara – A silver and gold formula that gave lashes a tinsel-like effect.

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