Viviparity

Pronunciation: /vih-vih-PAR-ih-tee/

Category: Reproductive Biology

Singular: Viviparity

Plural: Viviparities

Definition

A reproductive strategy in which the developing embryo is retained within the body of the mother, and the offspring are born live rather than hatching from eggs.

Etymology

From Latin 'vivus', meaning 'alive', and 'parere', meaning 'to give birth'.

Example

Certain species of cockroaches exhibit viviparity, giving birth to live young instead of laying eggs.

Synonyms

Live birth

Related Terms

Oviparity
Ovoviviparity
Reproduction
Embryo

Usage Notes

Viviparity is relatively rare among insects, with most exhibiting oviparity (laying eggs).