Key learning points

1. Gestation is the period of time that an animal carries its offspring inside its body before giving birth.
2. Patterns can be found in the gestation periods of different animals.
3. Larger animals tend to have longer gestation periods (as they tend to produce larger offspring).
4. Scientists can use patterns in their results to make predictions for further investigations.
5. The gestation periods of different animals can be found out by observing them or by carrying out research.

Keywords

• Animal - An animal is a living thing which moves and eats other animals or plants.

• Offspring - Living things create offspring when they reproduce.

• Gestation period - A gestation period is the amount of time an animal carries its offspring inside its body before giving birth.

• Prediction - A prediction is a statement saying what you think will happen.

• Research - To research something is to find out about it or investigate it carefully.

Common misconception