Litters

Litters are the plural form of litter and are used most often in two distinct domains. In biology, a litter is the group of offspring born to a single female at one time, while in environmental terms litter refers to waste materials discarded improperly in the environment. Both senses appear in scientific writing, policy discussions, and everyday language.

In mammals, a litter consists of the offspring produced by one gestation in a single birth event. Litter size varies by species and is influenced by genetics, maternal nutrition, age, and health. For example, cats and dogs typically bear multiple young in a single birth, while many rodents produce larger litters. Newborns are often helpless and require parental care, warmth, nutrition, and protection. Weaning times and social development differ by species, and welfare considerations address prenatal care, avoidance of inbreeding, and humane breeding practices.

Environmental litter refers to discarded waste in public or natural spaces. It includes plastics, paper, metals, and organic matter and arises from individuals, businesses, and inadequate waste management. Litter can harm wildlife through ingestion and entanglement, degrade habitats, contribute to water pollution, and transport invasive species. It also breaks down into microplastics with long-term ecological effects. Management strategies emphasize prevention, public education, frequent collection, and enforcement, as well as policies that promote recycling, litter traps, and proper disposal.