Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Creatures In Utero 1. All mammals begin the same in the womb. It's just a matter of time before each species develops its defining characteristics. Dolphins, for example, develop tiny leg-like limb buds during their first month in the womb, but the buds vanish within two weeks, and the animals swim in amniotic fluid for the next 11 months of gestation. Scientists say that little trick of evolution is a sign that the highly intelligent mammals descended from dog-like land creatures. 2. Speaking of one of history's most successful mammals, dogs' characteristic panting begins in the fetus just weeks before birth. That behavior helps the dog regulate its own body temperature in the absence of ample sweat glands. 3. And the elephant, Earth's largest terrestrial mammal, begins to develop unusual lungs at month 4 of a 22-month pregnancy that will allow the animal to breathe through its trunk when crossing rivers as an adult. Scientists think that could link the mammal to an evolutionary past as an aquatic animal. 4. Scientists used advanced ultrasound technology, called 4D (for four dimensions), to capture three-dimensional images of the animals inside the womb. (The ultrasound transmits high-frequency sound waves to a region of the body, which then return echoes to produce pictures of the fetus.) Unlike traditional ultrasound imagery, 4D images depict the length, width and depth of the fetus in multiple shots over a period of time. 5. To get an ultrasound of the dog, a veterinarian cuts back some of its fur and applies a water-soluble gel, just like with an ultrasound of a human. The vet then moves a transducer over the dog's stomach in circular fashion while it's still awake. The process could confirm a pregnancy within 12 days after conception, but it takes between 25 to 30 days to detect the number of pups. 6. A dolphin ultrasound is likely the easiest to pull off. A dolphin can be trained to float on its side before the procedure. Once ready, the vet will run the transducer over the dolphin's body for the probe. The technology detects a dolphin pregnancy about four months into gestation. Enjoy the amazing pictures of creatures in utero. Cheetah Fetus Creatures In Utero Chihuahua Fetus Cow Fetus Dog Fetus Dolphin Fetus Elephant Fetus Kitten Fetus Lion Cub Fetus Penguin Fetus Polar Bear Fetus Shark Fetus Shark Fetus Snake Fetus