Many of us have stories and memories associated with the annual family photo session. Some stories involve everyone showing up and putting their best face forward, while others read like a crazy sitcom script, complete with fights and bad wardrobe decisions. It is said that a picture says 1000 words and if the look on my dad’s face in the midst of the photo session that involved my sister and I getting into a slap war is any indication, they were right.
It is a well-known fact that many animal species exhibit strong family structures. Offspring generally remain with their mothers until they are capable of surviving on their own, while other animal groups, such as certain types of migratory animals, continue to travel together in family groups indefinitely. From meerkats to primates, families play an integral role in animal life.