[Article déjà publié le 03 octobre 2024]
Other animal species are reproductive champions and give birth to many young. In these animals, the number of small per range can be a few tens, a few hundred, even a few thousand for champions.
Fish, champions of the number of unreliable eggs which are released at once
You should know that the number of small depends on several factors. Thus, if we speak in terms of number of gametes, eggs or non -fertilized sperm which are produced at the same time, the fish are by far the champions.
Indeed, fish laying large quantities of unreliable eggs generally have more because it requires less energy. Mola mola fish can thus have up to 300 million eggs in its ovaries at the same time. However, this does not mean that all these eggs will be fertilized once released and that they will develop in fish.
The extraordinary reproduction of ants that lay 3 to 4 million eggs per month
Reproduction champions in terms of fertilized number of eggs at once are insects. More specifically, legionary ants of the genus Dorylus can lay 3 to 4 million eggs in just one month. It is then up to the queen to choose the eggs that she fertilizes according to the number of males and females she wishes to have.
In birds, some species are excellent layers. This is particularly the case with the Gray Perdrix (Perdix Perdix) which can have up to 22 eggs per brood. Game birds in general convent many eggs.
The male hippocampus gives birth to 2,000 living babies
Finally, in terms of the number of little born at the same time, it is the hippocampus which wins first place. The hippocampus swims slowly, but it can give birth to several thousand little ones at a time. The hippocampal male can have up to 2,000 small alive.
On Earth, the Viviparus champion is without hesitation the hitting viper (Bitis Arietans). This poisonous snake lives in South Africa and the south of the Arabian peninsula. The record is held by a female which gives birth to 156 small entirely developed after a single gestation.
The reproduction strategy depends on the life expectancy of the species and its way of life
But then, why have some animals have so many young at a time while others have only one per reproductive cycle? As the ichthyologist Kathleen Cole explains, it mainly depends on the life expectancy of species. Animals that live for a long time have generally have more little ones. “They have to make their mark quickly,” she says.
The way of life also impacts offspring. Thus, all the animals that take care of their little ones after birth until they are ready to live alone generally have fewer small (except rabbits and mice). This requires more energy and resources for each small one, hence the low number at each reach.
We can also cite the example of bats, all species combined. They must always remain light to fly easily in the air. They cannot therefore have more than one little at a time. In general, viviparous species often have fewer babies. Animals that live in groups can have more small because the group offers more resources and protection.
Source: LiveSciencece
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
