While many animals can only have one offspring at a time (singletons), it's more accurate to phrase the question as "Which animal typically only gives birth once in its lifetime?" because all animals reproduce. With that rephrasing, the octopus (specifically the female) is a notable example.
Female Octopus Reproduction
Female octopuses are semelparous, meaning they reproduce only once in their lifetime. Here's how it works:
- Egg Laying: The female octopus lays a clutch of eggs, which can number in the thousands depending on the species.
- Tending the Eggs: She diligently guards and cares for her eggs, ensuring they are clean and well-oxygenated. This can last for several months.
- Post-Reproductive Death: After her eggs hatch, the female octopus typically dies. She stops eating during the tending period and invests all her energy into her offspring's survival. The exhaustion and physiological changes associated with reproduction lead to her death.
Other Animals That Can Have Singular Births
It's important to distinguish between animals that only give birth once in their lives and those that typically only have one offspring per birth. Many animals can give birth to single offspring in a pregnancy. However, the question is more specific about reproducing only once. Insects can also reproduce only once, and die as well.
Conclusion
The female octopus is a prime example of an animal that reproduces only once and subsequently dies, making it a suitable answer. While other animals might have singleton births, the octopus's semelparous reproductive strategy aligns directly with the question if we consider "born" to broadly mean "reproduces".
