What is the Difference Between Oviparity Ovoviviparity and Viviparity?

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The main difference between oviparity, ovoviviparity, and viviparity lies in the way the offspring are produced and developed:

  1. Oviparity: In this mode of reproduction, animals lay eggs that are released to the external environment. The embryos develop outside the mother's body, with the egg yolk nourishing the developing embryo. Examples of oviparous animals include birds and frogs.
  2. Ovoviviparity: In this mode, animals also lay eggs but retain them within the mother's body until they are ready to hatch. The eggs are fertilized and develop inside the mother, but there is no direct nutritional supply from the mother to the developing embryo. Examples of ovoviviparous animals include sharks, rays, snakes, fishes, and insects.
  3. Viviparity: In viviparous animals, the development of the embryo takes place inside the mother's body, and the offspring are born directly. This mode of reproduction is often associated with mammals, where the fetus is nourished directly from the mother through a placenta. Examples of viviparous animals include humans, dogs, and cats.

In summary:

  • Oviparous animals lay eggs whose embryos develop outside the mother's body.
  • Ovoviviparous animals lay eggs and keep them inside the mother's body until they hatch.
  • Viviparous animals give birth to offspring with the embryo developing inside the mother's body.

Comparative Table: Oviparity Ovoviviparity vs Viviparity

Here is a table comparing the differences between oviparity, ovoviviparity, and viviparity:

Feature Oviparity Ovoviviparity Viviparity
Egg laying Lays eggs covered with hard shells Lays eggs and keeps them inside the mother's body until the fetus develops completely Directly gives birth to young ones
Embryo development Embryos develop externally Embryos develop internally Embryos develop internally
Fertilization Can be either external or internal Internal fertilization Internal fertilization
Examples Birds, reptiles, fish, and insects Sharks, rays, snakes, fishes, and insects Humans, dogs, cats, tigers, lions, chimpanzees, and some aquatic organisms like sharks, dolphins, whales, and sea otters

In summary, oviparous animals lay eggs that develop externally, ovoviviparous animals lay eggs that develop internally, and viviparous animals give birth to young ones directly without laying eggs.