Clutch (eggs)

Clutch (eggs)

A clutch is a group of eggs produced by birds, amphibians, or reptiles, often at a single time, particularly those laid in a nest.

In birds, destruction of a clutch by predators (or removal by humans, for example in ringing or scientific research) results in double-clutching. The technique is used to double the production of a bird's offspring, and is particularly common in birds such as the Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) and the European Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis).

Birds

In birds, a clutch is the group of eggs produced by females, usually within the same breeding season. The term is also used for the collection of eggs in the nest before they start to hatch. Some species lay their eggs singly, scattering them among several nests. The average clutch size is about five eggs, but this can vary widely depending on the species.

Amphibians and Reptiles

In amphibians and reptiles, a clutch refers to a batch of eggs laid at once. For example, a female frog or toad may lay hundreds of eggs in a single clutch. Similarly, a female turtle or snake may lay dozens of eggs in a clutch. The size of the clutch can vary greatly depending on the species and environmental conditions.

Fish

In fish, a clutch is a batch of eggs laid at once. This can range from a few dozen in some species to several thousand in others. The eggs are often laid in a specific location, such as a nest or a particular area of the sea floor, and are then fertilized by the male.

Invertebrates

In invertebrates, a clutch is a batch of eggs laid at once. This can range from a few in some species to several thousand in others. The eggs are often laid in a specific location, such as a nest or a particular area of the sea floor, and are then fertilized by the male.

See also

• Brood (biology)
• Oviparity
• Ovoviviparity
• Viviparity