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Why don't we lay eggs?

Answering your questions about life, Earth and the universe

Listener Sameer has noticed that most animals in the world seem to lay eggs. So why don't humans? Egg-laying seems like a good strategy - you can produce a lot to ensure the fittest survive. Whereas live birth seems to produce one to two young a year. So, why do humans have live births instead of laying eggs?

27 minutes

On radio

Next Friday 19:32GMT
BBC World Service

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  • Next Friday 19:32GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Mon 19 Oct 2026 01:32GMT
    BBC World Service except Americas and the Caribbean
  • Mon 19 Oct 2026 04:32GMT
    BBC World Service Australasia, Americas and the Caribbean, South Asia & East Asia only
  • Mon 19 Oct 2026 08:32GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Mon 19 Oct 2026 12:32GMT
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  • CrowdScience

    Answering your questions about life, Earth and the universe