Ovoviviparous Reproduction
Ovoviviparous animals combine aspects of both egg-laying (oviparous) and live birth (viviparous) reproduction. In this strategy, embryos develop inside eggs that remain within the parent’s body until they hatch, after which the offspring are born live.
This reproductive method provides greater protection for developing embryos, shielding them from predators and environmental threats. However, since the number of offspring is usually lower than in oviparous species, parental investment per offspring is often higher.
Examples of ovoviviparous species include:
- Sharks – Some species, like sand tiger sharks, develop embryos inside eggs that hatch internally before live birth.
- Rays – Certain stingrays retain eggs within the female’s body, giving birth to well-developed young.
- Some reptiles – Species like garter snakes and some geckos give birth to live young after internal egg development.
- Some amphibians – Certain salamanders use this strategy to protect their young until birth.
- Invertebrates – Some insects and mollusks exhibit ovoviviparous reproduction, allowing larvae to hatch within the parent.
Ovoviviparity is a valuable reproductive adaptation for species that require extra protection for their young but do not have the full placental nourishment system of viviparous animals.
No animals found for this category.