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Why is embryonic diapause useful to kangaroos after droughts?
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kangaroo
A group of red kangaroos (Macropus rufus) using their powerful hind legs and feet to hop.
Embryonic diapause is a reproductive adaptation that allows kangaroos to recover their population numbers quickly following a drought.1
During periods of environmental stress such as drought, breeding typically ceases and the diapause state is prolonged, keeping the embryo in a dormant condition. Once conditions become favorable or the previous joey begins to leave the marsupium, the development of the embryo resumes, leading to birth after a gestation period of approximately 30 days. This mechanism ensures that the mother can efficiently manage her reproductive output in response to the availability of resources.1