What difference between human and non-human biology allows for non-human animals to give birth to such large litters, versus humans who have so few, comparatively?
In: Biology
Nothing. Lost of animals have a single offspring, elephants if I understand correctly have twins a lot less the humans.
It is all about the investment in the offspring. What they need to do when born and their size relative to the adults. If they need to start moving quickly you have few, it if takes years to take care of them you have few. If you do not take care of them at all like a lot of fish, turtles, flyes, etc.
Most time when you have a lot of offspring the mortality rate is very high so few will reach adulthood. One that you take care off or many that have to fend for themself is different strategies.
It is all a compromise.
Latest Answers