Reproduction
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A baby killer whale surfacing for air. |
Killer whale reproduction is rather
unique. They do not breed within their "matrilineal" group.
Doing so makes sure inbreeding does not take place. Killer whales become
sexually mature around the age of 14 or 15. Males will mate with any
number of females. Killer whales have internal fertilization. Gestation
is around 16-17 months and babies are nursed for about a year. Females
breed for around 25 years. They stop when they are around 40 years of
age.Females give birth every 3 to 10 months.The killer whale has a complex
reproduction. |