A certain species of snake lays 12 eggs at a time. Each egg hatches after 45 days. The female lays eggs every 3 weeks. If her lifespan is 8 years, how many hatchlings can she produce in her lifetime?
Answer
1632
The correct answer is 1632 — All eggs hatch, so hatchlings = 1632.
Step-by-step solution
- Weeks in a year = 52.
- Number of laying cycles per year = 52 ÷ 3 ≈ 17.33; take 17 complete cycles.
- Eggs laid per year = 17 × 12 = 204.
- Lifespan = 8 years.
- Total eggs in lifetime = 204 × 8 = 1632.
- All eggs hatch, so hatchlings = 1632.
Common mistake: Multiplying 8 by 12 directly without considering cycles
Concept tested: Reproductive output calculation
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
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