Step 2: For part (a), explain that the corpus luteum normally deteriorates after about 10-14 days if fertilization does not occur, due to the absence of luteinizing hormone (LH) support. However, after implantation, the developing embryo produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which signals the corpus luteum to continue functioning and producing progesterone, thus extending its lifespan for nearly three months.