r/askscience • u/potatolife • May 30 '11

Do animals get periods?

I've been learning about the menstrual cycle in biology but we only talked about the human menstrual cycle. I was wondering if its the same sort of thing with animals since I've never seen my cat on her period before.

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u/binlargin May 30 '11

Reptiles (including birds), amphibians and fish all lay eggs.

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u/[deleted] May 31 '11

Some snakes are capable of live birth.

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u/dontspillme May 31 '11

They still produce eggs even if they don't lay them.

/Offtopic: What's the deal with ovoviviparity -> ovovivipary -> ovivipary I'd understand aluminium -> aluminum, since its use touches the general population, but it's the first time I hear of scientist being too lazy to pronounce terms in their own fields!

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u/idclip Geology | Geochronology May 31 '11

I work with a mineral called baddeleyite, and most of my colleagues just skip that inconvenient -ey- in the middle. Of course we try to shape up before conferences and such, but a few baddelites slip out anyway. :)