Question

In litter-bearing species, a priority exists across developing fetuses." Explain the development of runts, and compare growth of a runt and normal littermates using growth curve differences.

Answer 1

In litter-bearing species, runts are smaller and weaker offspring compared to their littermates. They have a slower growth rate and may not reach the same size as their siblings. A runt's growth curve may differ from that of normal littermates.

Step-by-step explanation:

In litter-bearing species, runts are offspring that are smaller and weaker compared to their littermates. They often have a slower growth rate and may not reach the same size as their siblings. This can be due to various factors, such as competition for resources within the womb, genetic factors, or health issues.

When comparing the growth of a runt and normal littermates, we can observe differences in their growth curves. A growth curve represents the rate of growth over time. A runt may have a slower growth rate initially and may not catch up to the size of its littermates. However, it's important to note that individual variation exists within litter-bearing species, and not all runts will have the same growth pattern.