What is the Difference Between Viviparous and Oviparous?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between viviparous and oviparous animals lies in the way they give birth and the development of their offspring:

  • Oviparous animals lay unfertilized or fertilized eggs, and the embryo development occurs outside the body of the female. Some examples of oviparous animals include birds, frogs, fish, and most reptiles.
  • Viviparous animals give birth to young ones while their development takes place within the body of the female. This method of reproduction provides better protection and nutrition for the developing embryo, which is why viviparous animals usually produce fewer offspring at a time compared to oviparous animals. Examples of viviparous animals include humans, dogs, cats, and various aquatic species such as sharks, dolphins, and whales.

In summary, oviparous animals lay eggs with developing embryos, while viviparous animals give birth to live offspring after the embryo develops inside the female's body.

Comparative Table: Viviparous vs Oviparous

Here is a table highlighting the differences between viviparous and oviparous animals:

Feature Oviparous Animals Viviparous Animals
Mode of reproduction Lay unfertilized or fertilized eggs. Give birth to young ones while their development takes place within the body of the female.
Fertilization-type Can be external or internal. Always internal.
Zygote development Embryo development occurs outside the body. Embryo development occurs inside the body.
Supply of nutrients to the embryo Nutrients supplied through the yolk, albumin, and essential supplements in the egg. Nutrients obtained from the mother's body through food reserves.

Examples of oviparous animals include birds, frogs, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. Viviparous animals, on the other hand, include humans, dogs, cats, tigers, lions, chimpanzees, and some aquatic organisms such as sharks, dolphins, whales, and sea otters.