viviparous

(adjective)

being born alive, as are most mammals, some reptiles, and a few fish (as opposed to being laid as an egg)

Related Terms

Examples of viviparous in the following topics:

  • External and Internal Fertilization

    • There are three ways that offspring are produced following internal fertilization: oviparity, ovoviparity, and viviparity.
    • In viviparity, the young develop within the female, receiving nourishment from the mother's blood through a placenta.
    • This occurs in most mammals, some cartilaginous fish, and a few reptiles, making these animals viviparous.

  • Characteristics of Reptiles

    • Other species are viviparous, with the offspring born alive.

  • Phylum Chordata

    • Animals can be oviparous (lay eggs) or viviparous (birth live young).