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What is the period of time an animal is pregnant called?

  1. Gestation

  2. Lactation

  3. Parturition

  4. Ovulation

The correct answer is: Gestation

The period of time an animal is pregnant is referred to as gestation. During gestation, the fertilized egg develops into a fetus within the mother's uterus, culminating in childbirth. This period varies significantly between species, for example, a horse typically has a gestation period of about 11 months, while a dog’s can be around 2 months. Lactation, on the other hand, involves the production of milk by the mother after giving birth, serving as nourishment for the newborn. Parturition refers specifically to the process of giving birth itself, marking the end of gestation. Ovulation is the part of the reproductive cycle where an egg is released from the ovary, which occurs before fertilization and the start of gestation. Therefore, gestation is the accurate term for the entire duration of pregnancy.