The process by which a hen provides warmth to its eggs by sitting on them is known as ________.

Options

A. external fertilization
B. incubation
C. gestation
D. ovulation

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the process by which a hen provides warmth to its eggs by sitting on them.

2. **Identifying Relevant Terms**: We need to identify the key terms related to the process of a hen sitting on its eggs. The terms to consider are "external fertilization," "incubation period," "gestation period," and "ovulation."

3. **Analyzing Each Term**:
- **External Fertilization**: This is a process where fertilization occurs outside the female body, commonly seen in aquatic animals like frogs. This does not relate to hens sitting on eggs.
- **Gestation Period**: This refers to the time from fertilization to birth in mammals. It does not apply to birds like hens.
- **Ovulation**: This is the release of a mature egg from the ovary. While important for reproduction, it does not describe the process of a hen warming its eggs.
- **Incubation Period**: This is the period during which a hen sits on her eggs to provide warmth, allowing the embryos inside to develop until they are ready to hatch.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the correct answer to the question is "incubation period."

5. **Final Answer**: The process by which a hen provides warmth to its eggs by sitting on them is known as **incubation**.

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