Why does an elephant only fertilise one egg at a time?

Elephants, like most mammals, only fertilize one egg at a time because of their reproductive biology. Here's why:

* Ovulation: Female elephants typically ovulate only one egg per estrous cycle. This means they release only one egg from their ovaries ready for fertilization.

* Gestation: Elephants have a long gestation period of approximately 22 months. This means a female elephant can only carry one baby at a time, making it a very energy-intensive process.

* Parental Care: Elephants are known for their strong parental care and nurture their young for several years. Raising one offspring at a time allows them to dedicate the necessary resources and attention for proper development and survival.

In summary, the combination of single ovulation, long gestation, and intensive parental care limits elephants to fertilizing only one egg at a time. This ensures the successful development and survival of their offspring in their challenging environment.