Introduction
Animals exhibit various modes of reproduction; some lay eggs, while others give birth to live ones. Some animals are even more unusual; the embryos within the eggs remain inside the mother’s womb until they are ready to hatch. Moreover, there is no placental connection between the mother and the embryo. Such animals are called ovoviviparous animals. Unlike oviparous animals, the embryos of ovoviviparous animals are supplemented either by the yolk sac or secretions of the mother’s uterus. In very rare instances, intrauterine cannibalism is observed, where the larger, or the stronger fetus kills and consumes its siblings for nutrition.
What are Ovoviviparous Animals?
Such animals are called ovoviviparous animals. Unlike oviparous animals, the embryos of ovoviviparous animals are supplemented either by the yolk sac or secretions of the mother’s uterus. In very rare instances, intrauterine cannibalism is observed, where the larger, or the stronger fetus kills and consumes its siblings for nutrition. It is most commonly observed in Sand tiger sharks and the fire salamanders. Animals exhibit various modes of reproduction; some lay eggs, while others give birth to live ones. Some animals are even more unusual; the embryos within the eggs remain inside the mother’s womb until they are ready to hatch. Moreover, there is no placental connection between the mother and the embryo.
Ovoviviparous animals undergo internal fertilization, a mechanism seen in viviparous animals (animals that give birth to live young). However, there is no placental connection to facilitate many of the essential activities such as gas exchange, thermoregulation, nutrient absorption and more. The egg yolks provide the nourishment while the mother’s body does the process of gas exchange.
Ovoviviparous animals vs Viviparous animals
Newly born ovoviviparous animals have an advantage when compared to viviparous animals. For instance, the animals are already fully developed and in a more advanced stage of development. This means the organisms are capable of defending itself from predators.
They are comparatively larger than other similar-sized animals that hatch from eggs. For instance, some snakes, such as the rattlesnake give birth to live young ones. These young snakes have fully developed fangs and venom sac, capable of delivering a fatal bite to its prey. This means the organisms are capable of defending itself from predators. They are comparatively larger than other similar-sized animals that hatch from eggs. For instance, some snakes, such as the rattlesnake give birth to live young ones. These young snakes have fully developed fangs and venom sac, capable of delivering a fatal bite to its prey.
Ovoviviparous animals are also thought to have come from oviparous animals, but fossil evidence to support the same is inconclusive. Explore other interesting concepts such as carnivorous animals, autotrophic organisms and more only on BYJU’S.
