Definitions
- Describing animals that give birth to live young. - Referring to plants that produce seeds that germinate inside the parent plant and are nourished by it. - Talking about organisms that develop inside the mother's body and receive nutrients from her through a placenta.
- Describing animals that produce eggs that hatch inside the mother's body and the young are born alive. - Referring to reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, that lay eggs but keep them inside their bodies until they hatch. - Talking about fish that retain fertilized eggs inside their bodies until the young are ready to be born.
List of Similarities
- 1Both terms describe reproductive strategies in animals.
- 2Both involve the development of offspring inside the parent's body.
- 3Both result in live births rather than laying eggs.
- 4Both are adaptations to different environments and lifestyles.
- 5Both require energy and resources from the parent to support the developing offspring.
What is the difference?
- 1Egg Development: Viviparous organisms do not lay eggs, while ovoviviparous organisms produce eggs that hatch inside the parent's body.
- 2Nutrient Source: Viviparous organisms provide nutrients to the developing offspring through a placenta, while ovoviviparous organisms rely on the yolk sac for nourishment.
- 3Offspring Survival: Viviparous offspring have a higher survival rate since they receive more nutrients and protection from the parent, while ovoviviparous offspring may have a lower survival rate due to competition for resources.
- 4Reproductive Efficiency: Ovoviviparous organisms can produce more offspring at once since they do not need to lay eggs, while viviparous organisms typically have fewer offspring per pregnancy.
- 5Environmental Adaptation: Ovoviviparous organisms are better adapted to harsher environments where laying eggs may not be feasible, while viviparous organisms are better adapted to environments where offspring need more protection and nourishment.
Remember this!
Viviparous and ovoviviparous are both terms used to describe reproductive strategies in animals. The main difference between the two is that viviparous organisms give birth to live young and provide nutrients through a placenta, while ovoviviparous organisms produce eggs that hatch inside the parent's body and rely on the yolk sac for nourishment. These adaptations allow organisms to survive and reproduce in different environments and lifestyles.
