<P> Dolphin copulation happens belly to belly ; though many species engage in lengthy foreplay , the actual act is usually brief , but may be repeated several times within a short timespan . The gestation period varies with species ; for the small Tucuxi dolphin , this period is around 11 to 12 months , while for the orca , the gestation period is around 17 months . Typically dolphins give birth to a single calf , which is , unlike most other mammals , born tail first in most cases . They usually become sexually active at a young age , even before reaching sexual maturity . The age of sexual maturity varies by species and gender . </P>
<P> Dolphin copulation happens belly to belly ; though many species engage in lengthy foreplay , the actual act is usually brief , but may be repeated several times within a short timespan . The gestation period varies with species ; for the small Tucuxi dolphin , this period is around 11 to 12 months , while for the orca , the gestation period is around 17 months . Typically dolphins give birth to a single calf , which is , unlike most other mammals , born tail first in most cases . They usually become sexually active at a young age , even before reaching sexual maturity . The age of sexual maturity varies by species and gender . </P>
how many dolphins are born at a time
how many dolphins are born at a time
a single calf
a single calf