Difference Between Oviparous and Viviparous Animals

Animals on the Earth exist in a wide range of shapes and sizes, each exhibiting reproduction either asexually or sexually. Each organism brings a new life into the world in distinct, fascinating ways. Some lay eggs, while others give birth to children. Some give birth to a single baby, and many give more than two or multiple eggs or babies.

Table of Contents

What are Oviparous Animals?
Reproduction and Development in Oviparous Animals
Examples of Oviparous Animals
What are Viviparous Animals?
Reproduction and Development in Viviparous Animals
Examples of Viviparous Animals
Oviparous vs Viviparous Animals
Practice Problems
Frequently Asked Questions

What are Oviparous Animals?

Oviparous are animals that lay eggs. The eggs possess harder outer shells protecting the developing embryo. Some mothers lay eggs and carry them to certain locations. Reptiles (turtles, snakes), birds, amphibians (toads and frogs), and numerous species of fishes and insects come under the category of oviparous animals.

Reproduction and Development in Oviparous Animals

In oviparous animals, fertilisation generally occurs internally, where sperm reaches the egg and fertilises it. Embryogenesis starts within the egg, where fluids and necessary nutrients are present before it can hatch. The time range of development of the embryo varies depending from species to species. The baby animal hatches from the egg when the development process is finished.

Examples of Oviparous Animals

There are numerous examples of oviparous animals, including

All birds (they lay eggs and possess hard shells)
Reptiles
Fish and Amphibians

What are Viviparous Animals?

Viviparous animals give birth directly to young and not eggs. The mother carries the embryo, and the development continues internally until it is completely grown. The mother supplies the nutrients, fluid and oxygen through the organ of species known as the placenta. The embryo sac surrounds the embryo to provide comfort and nutrients. Examples of viviparous species are human beings and other mammals. Some reptiles, like certain snakes and lizards, also give birth and are viviparous.

Reproduction and Development in Viviparous Animals

An embryo's reproduction and development occur internally. Fertilisation involves the male’s sperm entering the female’s egg within the mother’s womb or uterus, where an embryo develops. The development and maturation of an embryo require the essential nourishment and protection which is provided internally in the uterus. The gestation period (the time between fertilisation and birth) varies based on the distinct type of species. It can last from a few weeks to many months in mammals. When the embryo develops and matures completely, they are born as an infant.

Examples of Viviparous Animals

There are numerous examples of viviparous animals. They include

Human Beings

Higher mammals like humans reproduce by internal fertilisation. The egg implants the fallopian tubes and develops in the mother's uterus. Nutrition to the embryo is supplied through the placenta. The embryo grows and matures completely for birth.

Sharks

Like great white sharks, sharks possess tissues similar to the human placenta, which provides nutrition in the form of milky components. The development and maturation occur before the birth, after which they start hunting their prey and eating them right away after being born.

Certain Amphibians

Amphibians such as salamanders and frogs reproduce viviparously. The eggs get their nourishment in oviducts and transfer to the cloaca. The nourishment is supplied when developing embryos utilise their embryonic teeth to scrape the surface of the oviduct. It indicates the supply of nutrients.

Oviparous vs Viviparous Animals

Oviparous Animals	Viviparous Animals
They produce eggs which directly get discharged from the body.	They give birth to young infants.
The laid eggs can be either fertilised or unfertilised.	No birth to an egg.
Either internal or external fertilisation occurs.	Only internal fertilisation takes place.
The development of an embryo takes place outside the mother’s womb.	The development and maturation occur inside the uterus.
They do not possess mammary glands.	They have mammary glands.
Animals can lay eggs when provided with high food intake.	It can reproduce anytime.
Developing a yolk sac to supplement nutrients to the embryo is important.	The stored fat of the mother supplies nourishment to an embryo.
The development of a zygote takes place outside the body.	The development of a zygote takes place inside the body.
For example, Insects, Most fishes, reptiles and amphibians.	Mammals, certain fishes like sharks and certain reptiles and specific amphibians.

Practice Problems

Q1. In oviparous animals, fertilisation occurs

A. Internally
B. Externally
C. Either a or b
D. Both a and b

Answer: C. Either a or b

Oviparous animals possess internal or external fertilisation.

Q2. Viviparous animals give birth to

A. Fertilised eggs
B. Unfertilised eggs
C. Infants
D. All of the above

Answer: C. Infants

Viviparous animals give birth to fully developed babies from an embryo.

Q3. Which is not a viviparous animal

A. Insects
B. Human
C. White shark
D. frog

Answer: A. Insects

Insects are oviparous animals. On the other hand, white sharks, certain amphibians like frogs, and higher mammals like humans are viviparous animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Do viviparous animals eat other animals?
Answer: Not all, but most of the viviparous are dependent on the other animals to feed and gain nutrition.

Q2. Do viviparous animals rely on autotrophs?
Answer: No, they do not rely on autotrophs for food and energy. Although it is the source of food, the major source is from feeding on heterotrophs.

Q3. Do viviparous animals eat the eggs of oviparous animals?
Answer: Certain reptiles and amphibians eat eggs from oviparous animals. Human beings also feed on eggs laid by hens, ducks etc.