What does iteroparous mean?
Iteroparous describes a reproductive strategy in which a species produces multiple offspring in several reproductive cycles throughout its lifetime. This is in contrast to semelparity, where a species reproduces only once before dying. Iteroparity allows species to adapt quickly to changing environments and can be seen in various organisms, including certain fish, mammals, and birds. The term is particularly useful in ecology and evolutionary biology to understand population dynamics and reproductive strategies.
adjectiveIteroparous refers to a species that produces multiple offspring in several reproductive cycles, often throughout its lifetime.
- Having multiple reproductive cycles in a lifetime.
- Producing multiple sets of offspring, often more than once.
"Salmon are iteroparous, but some species of salmon, such as the Atlantic salmon, are semelparous."
"The iteroparous nature of certain fish species allows them to adapt quickly to changing environments."
"The rabbit is an iteroparous species, capable of producing multiple litters per year."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of iteroparous
The term 'iteroparous' originates from the Latin words 'iterum', meaning 'again', and 'parere', meaning 'to bear'. It describes species that can bear offspring multiple times.
Usage notes
This term is primarily used in biology and ecology to describe reproductive strategies of species.