Oviparous

usgb/əʊˈvɪpərəs/
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.
Visual representation of "oviparous" - Refers to animals that lay eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother.

Often appears as...

  • oviparous species
  • oviparous reproduction

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Academic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "oviparous"
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Scientific Context

The term 'oviparous' is mostly used in scientific discussions about animal reproduction.

Illustration for Scientific Context
In our biology class, we studied how oviparous organisms develop from eggs.
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Not for Mammals

'Oviparous' should not be confused with mammals, like the platypus, which are generally not considered oviparous.

Illustration for Not for Mammals
Although the platypus lays eggs, it's classified as a monotreme, not typically referred to as oviparous.
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Distinct from Viviparous

Oviparous is different from 'viviparous', where embryos develop inside the mother and gain nutrients directly from her.

Illustration for Distinct from Viviparous
Sharks can be oviparous or viviparous, depending on the species.
Visual representation of the word "Oviparous"

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