Em. 38 Embryo of Paraechinus (Native hedgehog)

 

Paraechinus micropus (native hedgehog)

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Eulipotyphla

Family: Erinaceidae

Genus: Paraechinus

Species: micropus

Description:

Paraechinus is a genus of small insectivorous mammals commonly known as desert hedgehogs. The reproductive process and embryo development in hedgehogs, including those in the Paraechinus genus, are somewhat similar to other mammals. Here's a brief description of the embryo development in 

The process begins with the fertilization of an egg cell (oocyte) by a sperm cell. This typically occurs within the female hedgehog's reproductive tract. After fertilization, a zygote is formed. The zygote is a single-celled structure containing genetic material from both the female and male hedgehog. The zygote undergoes cleavage, a series of rapid cell divisions. These divisions lead to the formation of a multicellular structure known as a morula. During this stage, the embryo does not significantly increase in size but becomes a compact ball of cells.The morula continues to divide and differentiate, eventually forming a blastocyst. The blastocyst consists of two distinct cell types: an outer layer known as the trophoblast, which will later contribute to placental development, and an inner cell mass, which will give rise to the embryo itself. The blastocyst travels through the reproductive tract of the female hedgehog and attaches to the uterine lining, a process known as implantation. Implantation marks the beginning of pregnancy. The embryo matures into a fetus, which is a more recognizable form of the hedgehog. During this stage, the various organs and systems continue to grow and develop.

IUCN Status: least concern