Ovoviviparous

usgb/ˌəʊvəʊvɪˈvɪpərəs/
adjective

Describes an animal that hatches eggs inside its body then gives live birth.

Guppies, a type of fish, are ovoviviparous.
Visual representation of "ovoviviparous" - Describes an animal that hatches eggs inside its body then gives live birth.

Often appears as...

  • ovoviviparous fish
  • ovoviviparous sharks

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "ovoviviparous"
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Scientific Term

Mostly used in biology or zoology. Not commonly found in everyday conversation.

Illustration for Scientific Term
In our zoology class, we learned that certain species of snakes are ovoviviparous.
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Not Viviparous

Do not confuse with 'viviparous.' Ovoviviparous animals lay eggs, unlike truly viviparous ones.

Illustration for Not Viviparous
Although both give live birth, ovoviviparous animals are distinct from viviparous ones.
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Specific Context

Used when talking about the reproductive methods of certain animals, not plants or other organisms.

Illustration for Specific Context
The lecture on animal reproduction clarified that some sharks are ovoviviparous, not oviparous like birds.
Visual representation of the word "Ovoviviparous"

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