How many young can a House Mouse breed in a year under optimal conditions?

How many young can a House Mouse breed in a year under optimal conditions?

• A. 20-30
• B. 30-50
• C. 50-70
• D. 70-100

Answer: (B)

House mice are prolific breeders, able to reproduce rapidly under optimal conditions. A single female can produce a litter of about five to ten young every three weeks after reaching sexual maturity—which can occur as early as six weeks old. Given their ability to breed continuously throughout the year, a single pair of house mice can contribute a significant number of offspring. The correct answer reflects that, on average, a house mouse can breed around 30 to 50 young in a year. This number takes into account that not all litters will have the same number of offspring and that some young may not survive to adulthood. While under ideal conditions a breeding female can indeed reach or exceed 30 offspring, it is reasonable to estimate that this number can range upward towards the 50 mark, particularly when considering multiple breeding females in a population. This prolific reproductive capacity allows house mice to adapt quickly to environmental changes and contributes to their status as common pests in both residential and commercial settings.

House mice are prolific breeders, able to reproduce rapidly under optimal conditions. A single female can produce a litter of about five to ten young every three weeks after reaching sexual maturity—which can occur as early as six weeks old. Given their ability to breed continuously throughout the year, a single pair of house mice can contribute a significant number of offspring.

The correct answer reflects that, on average, a house mouse can breed around 30 to 50 young in a year. This number takes into account that not all litters will have the same number of offspring and that some young may not survive to adulthood. While under ideal conditions a breeding female can indeed reach or exceed 30 offspring, it is reasonable to estimate that this number can range upward towards the 50 mark, particularly when considering multiple breeding females in a population. This prolific reproductive capacity allows house mice to adapt quickly to environmental changes and contributes to their status as common pests in both residential and commercial settings.