Living Environment Regents Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep

Being a placental mammal confers the significant advantage of internal development, which provides better protection for the developing young compared to egg-laying species. In placental mammals, the fetus develops inside the mother’s body, allowing it to receive nutrients, oxygen, and waste removal through a complex organ called the placenta. This close connection not only safeguards the embryo from environmental hazards but also enables a more controlled developmental environment.

The internal gestation process allows for more advanced developmental stages to be reached before birth. As a result, the young are often born at a later stage of development, which can increase their chances of survival in their early life. This advantage of providing a stable and nurturing environment contributes to higher survival rates in placental mammals compared to species that lay eggs and rely on external conditions for the development of their young.