Reproduction, Development, and Life Expectancy
Reproduction, Development, and Life Expectancy
This chapter provides an overview of beaver reproduction, development, and life expectancy. Beavers form permanent breeding pairs and are socially, although not necessarily genetically, monogamous. “Genetic figerprinting” using microsatellite analyses identified signs of extra-pair matings in five of nine litters among North American beavers. Females mating with extra males may avoid inbreeding depression and secure additional resources, as young that have parents outside the colony oftn travel to these neighboring sites. Fertility is higher in North American beavers than in their Eurasian counterpart. Growth rate slows down with age. This chapter discusses the development and growth of beavers, along with life expectancy and age determination, pair bonds, and the impact of habitat on beaver reproduction.
Keywords: beaver, reproduction, development, life expectancy, breeding, extra-pair mating, fertility, age determination, pair bond, habitat
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