What term describes young animals that are relatively mature and able to care for themselves shortly after birth?

The term that describes young animals that are relatively mature and able to care for themselves shortly after birth is "precocial." Precocial species are born in a state that allows them to walk, swim, or forage shortly after delivery. This is advantageous in environments where survival requires immediate independence from parental care due to predation or other threats.

In contrast, altricial animals are typically born in a helpless state and require significant parental investment for feeding and protection until they grow stronger and more capable. Gestational refers to the period of development within the womb before birth, and metamorphic describes a significant change in form and structure that animals undergo, such as in amphibians during their life cycle. These terms do not relate to the level of independence of the young at birth, thus making "precocial" the correct choice.