What is the term for the act of giving birth in animals?

The term for the act of giving birth in animals is known as parturition. This process marks the conclusion of gestation, which is the period of development of the offspring within the mother's body. During parturition, the mother undergoes specific physiological changes that facilitate the delivery of the young. It is a critical stage in the reproductive cycle, marking the transition from gestation to nurturing offspring.

Gestation refers to the time interval from fertilization until parturition, while fertilization is the initial union of sperm and egg that leads to the development of an embryo. Weaning, on the other hand, is the process of transitioning the young from mother's milk to solid food, which occurs after birth. Understanding these terms and their definitions is essential in the study of animal reproduction and management within food systems.