What specialized reproductive process causes the gestation period for species like the long-tailed weasel to potentially exceed nine months in total?
Answer
Delayed implantation
Delayed implantation is a crucial reproductive strategy employed by certain species, including the long-tailed weasel, which serves to time the birth of the young for optimal environmental conditions. This process involves the fertilized egg failing to immediately embed itself into the uterine wall and begin development. Instead, development is suspended for a period. Once implantation finally occurs, the actual gestation period proceeds, leading to a total time span from mating to birth that can stretch considerably beyond nine months before the litter, known as kits or kittens, is delivered.
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