Which Animal Has the Shortest Gestation?

The opossum has the shortest gestation period of just 12 to 13 days. Human gestation takes about 280 days, for comparison. In humans, males often require a longer gestation period of a few days than females.

More Reproduction Facts:

• Elephants have the longest gestation periods: 616 to 645 days.


• In a human, a baby born in less than 37 weeks — 3 fewer weeks than the average 40 — is considered premature. Five of every 100 human babies is over due, or taking more than 42 weeks to come out.


• Doctors give women an estimated due date when they get pregnant. Only 4% of women actually give birth on that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which animal has the shortest gestation period?

The animal with the shortest gestation period is the Virginia opossum, which carries its young for approximately 12 to 13 days before birth. This remarkably brief gestation is due to the marsupial's reproductive strategy, where the underdeveloped young continue to grow in the mother's pouch post-birth.

How does a short gestation period affect the offspring?

Offspring born after a short gestation period are typically underdeveloped and require significant postnatal care. For instance, marsupials like the Virginia opossum give birth to embryonic-like young that migrate to the pouch to continue development. This strategy allows for a quick return to fertility for the mother but demands a safe, nurturing environment for the young to mature.

Are there any non-marsupial animals with short gestation periods?

Yes, some non-marsupial animals also have short gestation periods. For example, hamsters have a gestation period of about 15-20 days. However, marsupials generally dominate the list of animals with the shortest gestations due to their unique reproductive strategies.

What is the advantage of a short gestation period for animals?

A short gestation period can be advantageous in environments where conditions change rapidly, allowing animals to reproduce quickly and increase their chances of survival. It also enables more breeding cycles within a given time frame, potentially leading to a faster population growth rate.

Does a short gestation period imply a smaller litter size?

Not necessarily. The relationship between gestation length and litter size varies among species. For example, the Virginia opossum can have up to 20 offspring in a single litter despite its short gestation. Conversely, some animals with longer gestation periods may have fewer offspring per litter.

How do short gestation periods impact conservation efforts for certain species?

Short gestation periods can be beneficial for conservation efforts, as they allow for quicker reproduction and potential population recovery. However, the survival rate of offspring and the mother's health must also be considered. Conservation strategies must balance these factors to ensure sustainable population growth.