Hatchling

/ˈhætʃ.lɪŋ/ noun

Definition

A young animal, especially a bird or reptile, that has just emerged from its egg.

Etymology

Hatch (Old English hæccan) + -ling suffix (Old English -ling, meaning 'a young or small thing'). The suffix -ling specifically denotes something young or small.

Kelly Says

Sea turtle hatchlings instinctively run toward the ocean under moonlight, but artificial lights confuse them—so now researchers use red lights near nesting beaches to protect them!

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