Oviparous
adjective
Refers to animals that lay eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother.
Birds, reptiles, and many kinds of fishes are oviparous.
Often appears as...
- oviparous species
- oviparous reproduction
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adjective
Refers to animals that lay eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother.
Birds, reptiles, and many kinds of fishes are oviparous.
Often appears as...
- oviparous species
- oviparous reproduction
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Scientific Context
The term 'oviparous' is mostly used in scientific discussions about animal reproduction.
In our biology class, we studied how oviparous organisms develop from eggs.
Pro Tip 2/3Not for Mammals
'Oviparous' should not be confused with mammals, like the platypus, which are generally not considered oviparous.
Although the platypus lays eggs, it's classified as a monotreme, not typically referred to as oviparous.
Pro Tip 3/3Distinct from Viviparous
Oviparous is different from 'viviparous', where embryos develop inside the mother and gain nutrients directly from her.
Sharks can be oviparous or viviparous, depending on the species.
Pro Tip 1/3Scientific Context
The term 'oviparous' is mostly used in scientific discussions about animal reproduction.
In our biology class, we studied how oviparous organisms develop from eggs.
Pro Tip 2/3Not for Mammals
'Oviparous' should not be confused with mammals, like the platypus, which are generally not considered oviparous.
Although the platypus lays eggs, it's classified as a monotreme, not typically referred to as oviparous.
Pro Tip 3/3Distinct from Viviparous
Oviparous is different from 'viviparous', where embryos develop inside the mother and gain nutrients directly from her.
Sharks can be oviparous or viviparous, depending on the species.
Pro Tip 1/3Scientific Context
The term 'oviparous' is mostly used in scientific discussions about animal reproduction.
In our biology class, we studied how oviparous organisms develop from eggs.
Pro Tip 2/3Not for Mammals
'Oviparous' should not be confused with mammals, like the platypus, which are generally not considered oviparous.
Although the platypus lays eggs, it's classified as a monotreme, not typically referred to as oviparous.
Pro Tip 3/3Distinct from Viviparous
Oviparous is different from 'viviparous', where embryos develop inside the mother and gain nutrients directly from her.
Sharks can be oviparous or viviparous, depending on the species.
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