How Do You Spell OVOVIVIPARY?

Pronunciation: [ˈə͡ʊvəvˌɪvɪpəɹi] (IPA)

Ovovivipary is a term used in biology to describe a form of reproduction in which eggs hatch within the mother's body and the offspring are born alive, rather than as eggs. The word is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols for each sound: /oʊvəvɪˈvɪpəri/. The emphasized syllable is "viv," which is pronounced with a short "i" sound as in "bitter." This term can be fascinating for people interested in biology as it describes the intricacies of life and evolution.

OVOVIVIPARY Meaning and Definition

1. Ovovivipary is a reproductive strategy observed in certain animals, in which the eggs develop and hatch internally, resulting in live birth. The term is composed of two parts: "ovo," derived from the Latin word for egg, and "vivipary," derived from the Latin words for live birth.

   In the context of ovovivipary, the female organism produces eggs, typically within an egg case or protective membrane, instead of directly giving birth to live offspring. These eggs are then retained within the female's body until they hatch, at which point the young are released as fully formed, live animals. Unlike viviparity, in which the embryo receives nourishment directly from the mother, in ovoviviparity, the eggs contain all the necessary nutrients for embryonic development.

   Ovovivipary is observed in various aquatic species, including certain fish, reptiles, and invertebrates, such as some species of sharks, rays, seahorses, and insects. This reproductive strategy offers advantages such as enhanced protection for the developing embryos, as they are shielded from predators and environmental fluctuations inside the parent's body. It also allows for an increased survival rate of offspring by ensuring they are born as fully functional organisms, capable of independent existence.

   In summary, ovovivipary refers to the reproductive mode in which eggs are retained and develop internally within the parent's body until they hatch, resulting in live birth of fully formed young.

Etymology of OVOVIVIPARY

The word ovovivipary is derived from combining three Latin roots: ovo, meaning egg, vivi, meaning alive or living, and parus, meaning to give birth. In this context, ovovivipary refers to a mode of reproduction in which fertilized eggs are retained within the female's body, and the embryos develop internally until they are ready to hatch. Once the embryos reach a certain stage of development, they are 'born alive' or 'live births.' Thus, the etymology of ovovivipary literally translates to giving birth to live offspring from eggs.