What is the difference between oviparous and viviparous animals?
Zoology is a branch of biology that deals with the study of animals. Oviparous and viviparous are some examples of these animals.
The article provides detailed insights into the difference between oviparous and viviparous animals in points as well as a comparison chart.
What Are Oviparous Animals?
Oviparous animals refer to animals that lay eggs that mature and hatch after being expelled from the body. The development of the eggs takes place inside the mother’s body.
These types of animals can either undergo internal or external fertilization. Ovoviviparous is a term that describes the type of fertilization scientifically.
Examples of oviparous animals are frogs, sharks, snakes, birds, and insects. The chances of young ones to survive are minimal.
What Are Viviparous Animals?
Viviparous animals refer to those animals that give birth to a developed live young individual. The development of the zygote takes place inside the female womb.
The type of fertilization experienced by these animals is internal fertilization. The developing embryo receives nutrients from the mother.
Examples of viviparous animals are cats, dogs, humans, elephants, lions, tigers, etc. the chances of young ones to survive is quite high.
Comparison Chart: Oviparous Vs Viviparous Animals
| Basic Terms | Oviparous | Viviparous |
| Definition | Refers to egg-laying animals that mature and hatch after being released from the body | Refers to animals that give birth to the young ones |
| Correspondence | Lay either fertilized eggs or unfertilized eggs | Give birth to live young individuals |
| Type of Fertilization | Either internal or external fertilization | Typically internal fertilization |
| Development of the Zygote | Occur outside the female | Occur inside the female |
| Nourishment of the Embryo | Get nutrients from the York | Get nutrients from the mother |
| Chances for Survival | Quite low | Quite high |
| Examples | Birds, reptiles, amphibians, most fish, insects, mollusks, arachnids, and monotremes | Mammals like cow, dogs, goat, zebra, donkey, elephant and cats |
Differences between Oviparous and Viviparous Animals
- Viviparous give birth to young ones whereas oviparous lay either fertilized or unfertilized eggs which hatch to young ones
- The development of zygote in oviparous take place outside the female while it takes places inside the female of viviparous
- The chances of young ones of oviparous to survive are less while that of viviparous is quite high
- The embryo of viviparous get nutrients from the mother while that of oviparous from the York
- The type of fertilization in viviparous is internal while that of oviparous is either internal or external
- The correspondence of viviparous is giving birth to develop and live young individuals while oviparous lay either fertilized or unfertilized eggs
- Examples of viviparous are cats, dogs, humans, elephants, lions, and tigers while oviparous are amphibians, fish, reptiles, birds, and insects.
Core Similarities between Oviparous and Viviparous Animals
- The chance of internal fertilization occurring is possible
- Both produce young ones of the same species and kind
- Both show locomotion
- Their bodies tend to reproduce and experience respiration
- Both belong to kingdom Animalia
Comparison Video
Summary
The core difference between oviparous and viviparous is that oviparous are egg-laying animals whereas viviparous are animals that give birth to young ones of the same species and kind.