What do we call animals that give birth to live offspring developed inside the mother?

Study for your DIVE Biology Quarterly Exam 3. Prepare with engaging quizzes, flashcards, and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Animals that give birth to live offspring that have developed inside the mother are referred to as viviparous. This term comes from the Latin word "vivus," meaning alive, and "parere," meaning to bear. In viviparous species, the young gestate inside the female's body, receiving nutrients and oxygen through a placenta or similar structure before being born. This is a significant adaptation as it offers protection and a controlled environment for the developing offspring, which can enhance survival rates.

Oviparous animals, on the other hand, lay eggs that develop outside the mother's body. The terms carnivorous and herbivorous refer to dietary habits, indicating whether an animal primarily eats meat or plants, respectively, and do not relate to their reproductive strategies. Hence, viviparous is the accurate term for animals that give birth to live young.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy