Viviparous, oviparous, and ovoviviparous are terms that describe different modes of reproduction in animals:
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Viviparous: In viviparous reproduction, embryos develop inside the body of the mother and are born as live young. This method of reproduction is common in mammals (including humans) and some reptiles. The developing embryos receive nutrients and oxygen directly from the mother, usually through a placenta.
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Oviparous: Oviparous species lay eggs that develop and hatch outside the mother's body. The eggs contain all the necessary nutrients for the developing embryo. This reproductive strategy is seen in many birds, reptiles, amphibians, and most fish. The young are born after they hatch from the eggs.
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Ovoviviparous: Ovoviviparous animals produce eggs that hatch inside the mother's body. The embryos develop inside the eggs, which remain within the mother's body until they are ready to hatch. This results in the birth of live young, similar to viviparous reproduction, but the embryos rely on the egg's yolk for nutrition rather than deriving nutrients directly from the mother. Some species of sharks and snakes exhibit this reproductive strategy.
In summary, the main difference lies in the developmental stage of the embryo and the method of nutrient transfer: viviparous involves live birth with direct maternal support, oviparous involves egg-laying, and ovoviviparous involves internal egg development with live birth.
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