Fatal tumors force early mating in Tasmanian devils

sea-maid submitted, created time 4 months 2 weeks (www.livescience.com)

In recent years, the population of these endangered marsupials has taken a huge hit. An infectious cancer, spread through biting, affects and kills devils over the age of two. However, the devils have compensated for this by reproducing earlier and earlier in their life cycle.

It isn't clear exactly why the animals are mating early. It might have something to do with the disease or it might simply be the result of reduced competition for food.

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