The term "ovovipara" refers to a reproductive mode found in some animals, where eggs are retained within the body until they hatch, with the young born live. The spelling of this word can be broken down into its phonetic pronunciation using IPA symbols: /əʊvəʊˈvɪpərə/. The word is composed of two Latin roots: "ovo" meaning egg, and "vivipara" meaning live birth. The combination of these two roots gives us "ovovivipara," which over time has evolved into its current form, "ovovipara."
Ovovipara is a biological term primarily associated with animal reproduction and refers to a method of reproduction where the embryos develop and hatch inside the mother's body, but they are nourished solely by the egg yolk, rather than receiving any additional maternal nutrient supply. Ovovipara is derived from the Latin term "ovum," meaning egg, and "vivipara," meaning giving birth to live offspring, thus combining the characteristics of both types of reproduction.
In ovovipara reproduction, after fertilization, the eggs are retained within the female's body until they are ready to hatch. The embryo develops and obtains all its required nutrients solely from the yolk stored within the egg. This method allows for greater protection and increased chances of survival, as the developing offspring are shielded from external threats.
Ovovipara reproduction is observed in various animal species, including some reptiles, such as certain species of snakes and lizards, as well as some types of fish and invertebrates like insects and arachnids. Ovoviparity is distinct from other reproductive strategies, such as oviparity (laying eggs with no further development inside the mother) or viviparity (live birth with the supply of maternal nutrients).
Understanding the reproductive mechanisms and strategies employed by different organisms is essential to comprehend their life cycles, behavior, and evolutionary adaptations. Ovovipara is an important term in the field of biology, allowing scientists to categorize and describe the diverse methods of animal reproduction.
Animals producing lecithal eggs which are retained within the body and there developed, but without placental attachment.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Ovovipara" is derived from the Latin words "ovum" meaning "egg" and "viviparus" meaning "bringing forth alive". "Ovum" refers to an egg, while "viviparus" describes a creature that gives birth to live offspring rather than laying eggs. When combined, "ovoviviparus" or its contracted form "ovoviparus" is used to describe organisms that retain eggs inside their bodies until they hatch, and then give birth to live young.