In the rat dissection lab, the uterus of female rats extended into two horns. Th

Question

In the rat dissection lab, the uterus of female rats extended into two horns. This differs from a female human's uterus, which does not have this "horned" structure. Why does this difference exist?

Select one:

a. There is no present scientific evidence for this difference.

b. Because rats walk on all four limbs, the "horns" are anatomically better supported.

c. The uterine horns allow rats to support multiple fetuses.

d. Rats are smaller organisms and the horns take up less space.

e. More nutrients can diffuse into the uterus because there is more surface area.

Explanation / Answer

Option c is correct.

The uterine horns in rats allow rats to support multiple fetuses. The uterine horns form a duplex uterus which allows for the accomodation of multiple embryos (litter). In contrast, a simple uterus, like the kind found in humans has a single chamber for the development of a single embryo.

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