Megtermékenyülés

Megtermékenyülés is a Hungarian term that translates to "superfecundation" in English. It describes a rare reproductive phenomenon where a female conceives from multiple males during a single estrous cycle. This means a litter of offspring can have different fathers.

This occurs when a female mates with more than one male in a short period, and multiple eggs are released and fertilized by sperm from these different males. The gestation period and birth are otherwise normal. The resulting offspring may display a variety of traits, reflecting their genetic diversity.

Superfecundation is observed in various animal species, including domestic dogs, cats, and horses, as well as in some wild mammals like lions and rabbits. It is a natural reproductive strategy that can increase genetic diversity within a population. While rare in humans, superfecundation has been documented and is known as heteropaternal superfecundation. In such cases, twins or other multiple births can have different biological fathers. The biological and genetic implications of superfecundation are areas of ongoing scientific study.