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Which mammal has the shortest gestation period?
Quick Answer
The gray short-tailed opossum has one of the shortest gestations of any mammal, about 12 to 14 days.
The Full Story
The gray short-tailed opossum is famous for having an extremely brief pregnancy, usually around 12 to 14 days. Like many marsupials, it gives birth to very undeveloped young that continue developing in the pouch. This short gestation is much shorter than in placental mammals such as dogs, cats, or humans. It is one of the clearest examples of how mammal reproduction can vary dramatically.
Key Facts
1.Gray short-tailed opossum gestation is about 12 to 14 days
2.It is a marsupial, so young continue developing in a pouch
3.Placental mammals generally have much longer pregnancies
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"How can a mammal be born after just two weeks?"
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