Comparative mammalian female reproduction: Overview

Abstract

Mammals are defined by the reproductive characteristic of lactation. This article provides an overview of reproduction in monotreme, marsupial and eutherian mammals highlighting the similarities and differences in their reproductive physiology and anatomy. Most of our knowledge comes from only a few mammalian species, especially the mouse/rat, domestic mammals and humans. However, there is still much to learn about the diversity of reproduction in the vast majority of mammals.