Which mammal holds the record for the briefest known gestation period, lasting only 12 to 13 days?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: A. Opossum
Explanation
Opossums hold the record for having one of the briefest known mammalian gestation periods. Their internal pregnancy lasts for only about twelve to fourteen days before birth occurs. As marsupials, their underdeveloped young complete development externally inside a specialized pouch. Marsupials give birth to extremely premature young that must crawl instinctively to their mother's teat. This unique reproductive strategy allows females to reproduce quickly despite environmental pressures. The Virginia opossum is the most well-known marsupial species native to North America.
Studying marsupial reproduction provides evolutionary biologists with insights into diverse mammalian life cycles. Opossums play a helpful role in local ecosystems by consuming large numbers of ticks and insects. Understanding gestation lengths helps wildlife rehabilitators care for injured or orphaned wild animals. Cats have a much longer gestation period lasting approximately sixty to sixty-five days. Elephants possess the longest mammalian gestation period, which stretches for nearly twenty-two months. Mice have relatively short pregnancies of about nineteen days, which still exceeds opossums.
- Subject
- General Knowledge
- Category
- General Knowledge
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
Related questions
Q1. Which body of water divides the Arabian Peninsula from the African continent?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: A. Red sea
The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean lying between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It physically divides the landmass of the Arabian Peninsula from the African continent. This narrow body of water has hi...
Q2. Which nation recognizes three distinct official languages?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: D. Belgium
South Africa recognizes 12 official languages, but Belgium famously has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German.
Q3. What health or social awareness observance is recognized during the month of May?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: B. Mental Health Awareness month
Mental Health Awareness Month is widely recognized and observed throughout the month of May. Advocacy groups utilize this time to educate the public about psychological well being. Campaigns during May strive to reduce s...
Q4. What term refers to the horizontal rows on the periodic table?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: A. Period
The horizontal rows on the periodic table are designated as periods by chemical nomenclature standards. Each successive period corresponds to the sequential filling of electron shells in the atomic structure. Elements wi...
Q5. What is the literal translation or meaning of the word “Android” ______?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: C. Human Like
The word android originates from Greek roots meaning human-like or resembling a human. It combines Greek elements to describe a robot or automation designed in human form. Linguistic etymology confirms the literal transl...
Q6. According to United Nations statistics, which country records the highest divorce rate?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: A. Maldives
Demographic statistics indicate the Maldives records some of the highest divorce rates globally. United Nations data collection highlights frequent marital dissolutions within this island nation. Cultural and legal frame...