What is gestation?

Gestation refers specifically to the period during which an embryo develops inside the uterus, beginning from conception and lasting until birth. This stage varies greatly among different species, influencing factors such as birth weight, number of offspring, and overall reproductive strategies. For instance, in humans, the gestation period lasts approximately nine months, while in other animals, it can be significantly shorter or longer. Understanding gestation is crucial in wildlife control as it helps in predicting animal behavior during breeding seasons and managing populations effectively. The other options address different concepts related to animal behavior and life cycles but do not accurately define the term gestation.