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Science Sphere Just days or hours before emerging from the egg, the unborn hatchlings begin to chirp and squeak from inside their shells. These vocalizations serve two powerful purposes.First, they synchronize hatching among the clutch. When one embryo begins to call, the others respond, triggering a wave of development that leads to a near-simultaneous birth. This coordinated timing increases their chances of survival—there’s safety in numbers when entering a world full of predators.Second, their calls alert the mother, who’s often waiting nearby. Upon hearing the sounds, she instinctively begins digging up the nest, helping her babies reach the surface. In some species, she’ll even carry them gently in her mouth to the water.These early vocal signals are a powerful example of how communication begins before life even begins—a testament to the deep bond between crocodile mothers and their young.📄 REFERENCE📌 Vergne, Amélie L, and Nicolas Mathevon. “Crocodile egg sounds signal hatching time.” Current biology : CB vol. 18,12 (2008): R513-4