Tars frowns. "You would say -- creche mother. Thoats are raised in clutches, the way Tharks are raised in clutches. No thoat or Thark knows his mother or father. He is raised by the clan."

He glances across at Sola, a sad but fond look in his eyes. "To know your father or mother in our society is considered taboo, just as among humans, not knowing one's mother or father makes one a pariah. Or so John Carter explained it to me."