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NEWTON Home Page NEWTON Teachers Visit Our Archives Ask A Question How To Ask A Question Question of the Week Our Expert Scientists Volunteer at NEWTON! Frequently Asked Questions Referencing NEWTON About NEWTON About Ask A Scientist Education At Argonne Human Female Fertile Signals 
Name: Chris L.
Status: other
Age: 40s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2002
Question:
Are there other mammals - besides humans- that become impregnated "anytime" as opposed to having to go into "heat"?

Replies:
Chris,

Human females can not become pregnant at anytime. There is only a short 36 (+/-) hour window once every 28 days that human females are fertile. Now, unlike animals that use estrus, human females do not have a clear signal that indicates when they are fertile. That may be your inquiry intent?

Steve Sample

Clarification:

Scientists should not jump to the conclusion that humans do not "signal". There is some evidence that they do...and assuming that since we do not have knowledge of something negates its existence is presumptuous...on the part of science (not you)...:)

Peter Faletra Ph.D.
Office of Science
Department of Energy

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