Which term describes the period from fertilization of the ovum to birth?

Which term describes the period from fertilization of the ovum to birth?

• A. Gestation
• B. Lactation
• C. Estrus
• D. Parturition

Answer: (A)

Gestation is the period from fertilization to birth. It covers the entire developmental phase inside the uterus, from embryo formation through fetal growth and maturation, until the offspring is ready to be born. This duration is species-specific, but the key idea is that gestation ends with birth. In contrast, lactation refers to milk production after birth to feed the young, estrus is the heat phase of the reproductive cycle when mating may occur, and parturition is the actual act of giving birth. So gestation best describes the entire interval from fertilization up to birth.

Gestation is the period from fertilization to birth. It covers the entire developmental phase inside the uterus, from embryo formation through fetal growth and maturation, until the offspring is ready to be born. This duration is species-specific, but the key idea is that gestation ends with birth. In contrast, lactation refers to milk production after birth to feed the young, estrus is the heat phase of the reproductive cycle when mating may occur, and parturition is the actual act of giving birth. So gestation best describes the entire interval from fertilization up to birth.