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What is Ovoviviparity?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ovoviviparity is a method of animal development in which the young grow in eggs inside the mother's body, and the mother gives birth to live young. Ovoviviparity is seen in some fish, reptiles, and amphibians around the world. There are a variety of reasons why animals might have evolved to give birth this way, and ovoviviparity is a topic of some interest among researchers as a result. This method of reproduction is also intriguing to many laypeople, since most people assume that egg-layers cannot give birth to live young.

Most people are familiar with vivipary, in which an animal gives birth to live young after it has developed in the uterus for a period which can range from weeks to almost two years, in the case of elephants. Humans, for example, are viviparous animals. Conversely, ovoparity, in which an animal lays eggs and the young hatch out, is the method of reproduction used by many birds, reptiles, amphibians, and others. Ovoviviparity is a blend of both methods, and it is much more rare.

The Northern Pacific rattlesnake gives birth to live young.
The Northern Pacific rattlesnake gives birth to live young.

The primary difference between ovoviviparity and vivipary other than the obvious presence of eggs is that ovoviviparous animals do not provide nutrition to their young through a placenta, as is the case in viviparous animals. Instead, the developing young inside the egg feed on the egg yolk, just as their ovoparous cousins do. The mother's body provides protection for the eggs, allowing them to develop without the risk of being eaten or trampled by other animals, and she also provides some gas exchange to the developing egg.

Sharks are the most notable animal to exhibit ovoviviparity.
Sharks are the most notable animal to exhibit ovoviviparity.

The advantage to ovoparity is that animals can lay large clutches of eggs, ensuring that at least some of their young survive. Ovoviviparous animals can only incubate limited numbers of eggs at a time, typically giving birth to no more than six young. Therefore, the young are more precious to their parents. In contrast with the young of viviparous animals, ovoviviparous young are typically also very well-developed and precocious, able to navigate the world shortly after birth, although they may still require guidance from their parents.

In some ovoviviparous animals, the young are born in larval form, and they metamorphose outside the bodies of their parents. Others are born fully formed, although they may require several weeks or months to mature to the size of their parents. Sharks are among the most notable of animals which exhibit ovoviviparity, although there are numerous other examples in the fish, reptile, and amphibian world, including manta rays, vipers, and some toads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ovoviviparity and how does it differ from other reproductive methods?

Ovoviviparity is a mode of reproduction in which embryos develop inside eggs that are retained within the mother's body until they are ready to hatch. Unlike viviparity, where the embryo develops within the mother and receives nutrients directly from her, ovoviviparous animals are nourished by the egg yolk. This differs from oviparity, where eggs are laid outside the mother's body to develop.

Can you give examples of animals that are ovoviviparous?

Many shark species, such as the hammerhead and the lemon shark, are ovoviviparous. Reptiles like the boa constrictor and some species of vipers also exhibit this reproductive strategy. Additionally, certain fish, like the guppy, and invertebrates, such as the Madagascar hissing cockroach, are known to be ovoviviparous.

What are the advantages of ovoviviparity for animals?

Ovoviviparity offers several advantages, including protection of the young from predators and environmental conditions while they develop inside the mother. This method also allows for a more controlled birthing process, as the mother can retain the eggs until conditions are favorable for the offspring to survive on their own.

How does ovoviviparity affect the survival rate of offspring?

Ovoviviparity tends to increase the survival rate of offspring compared to oviparity, as the developing young are protected from predation and harsh environmental conditions. However, since the mother carries the eggs, she can bear fewer young at a time, which may influence population growth rates.

Is ovoviviparity common in both marine and terrestrial animals?

Ovoviviparity is found in both marine and terrestrial environments, although it is more common in aquatic settings. Marine animals such as certain sharks and rays often use this method, while on land, it is observed in some species of snakes and lizards.

Does ovoviviparity require a special kind of habitat or environment?

Ovoviviparity does not require a specific habitat or environment, but it is an adaptation that can be advantageous in environments where external egg laying might expose offspring to high risks of predation or extreme conditions. It is a versatile reproductive strategy that has evolved in diverse ecological niches.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

ysmina

Why do different creatures have different methods of bearing young? Is it because they all require varying amounts of development and security before birth?

For example, humans need a lot of nourishment and a safe environment to develop before birth, so we are viviparous. Other things like most insects, birds and reptiles might not need as much nourishment and development, so they are ovoparous. Ovoviviparous is in between the two. It doesn't require as much nourishment as the viviparous, but it needs a secure environment. I think it makes a lot of sense.

candyquilt

Did you guys know that some insects do this too? I'm writing on this for class and I read that cockroaches and some moths and flies reproduce with ovoviviparity.

I guess it's good because they can only have so many young insects at one time, but then again, they have extra protection as they grow in the womb.

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    • The Northern Pacific rattlesnake gives birth to live young.
      By: fivespots
      The Northern Pacific rattlesnake gives birth to live young.
    • Sharks are the most notable animal to exhibit ovoviviparity.
      By: Christopher Bartlett
      Sharks are the most notable animal to exhibit ovoviviparity.