Question

Female rabbit is
(a)Monoestrous
(b)Diestrous
(c)Polyestrous
(d)None of the above

Answer 1

Hint The term estrus is used to define the mating period in females of non-primate animals. This is referred to as the repeating physiological changes occurring in the females due to changes in hormones. A rabbit is a type of organism that can mate at any time of the year.

Complete Answer:
The estrous cycle is divided into several types based on the number of times it occurs during a year. A monoestrous animal has one estrous cycle per year. Similarly, diestrous two times a year and polyestrous means multiple times throughout the year. The rabbit is an example of a polyestrous animal as it can mate at any time of the year. Rabbits ovulate once they are mounted by a male rabbit. This can be explained by the fact that rabbits are prey animals that are constantly on the brink of extinction by predator species. Thus, prey species tend to overproduce in order to remain in existence. Thus, rabbits reproduce constantly throughout the year to keep their numbers high.

Additional information:
Let us look at the different stages of an estrous cycle.
Proestrus: This stage is characterized by the development of the endometrium and the ovarian follicles and it is the first stage of the estrous cycle.
Estrus: This stage is characterized by an increase in the receptivity towards a male and mating which is commonly known as “heat” or “in heat”. It is the second stage of the estrous cycle and pheromones are secreted only in this stage.
Metestrus: In this stage, there is sexual inactivity as the formation of corpus luteum takes place.
Diestrus: A functional corpus luteum and high levels of progesterone in the blood are characteristic of this stage.
Anestrus: This is not considered a part of the estrous cycle, but it is just a prolonged period of sexual rest.

So, the correct option is ‘Polyestrous’.

Note:
-The periodic cycle for reproduction in the females of primates is known as the menstrual cycle.
-The initiation of menstruation is known as menarche and its termination after a certain age is known as menopause.
-Menstruation or menstrual cycle has a 28 days period after which it repeats again.