VIVIPARITY Meaning and
Definition
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Viviparity is a biological term used to describe the reproductive mode in which offspring are born alive and fully developed, rather than hatching from an egg. It is a characteristic primarily observed in mammals, although a few other animal groups such as certain reptiles, fishes, and invertebrates also display this trait.
In viviparous organisms, the development of the embryo takes place within the body of the parent until it reaches a state of maturity compatible with independent life. This development is facilitated by the direct transfer of nutrients and oxygen from the parent to the offspring through specialized structures such as a placenta or umbilical cord.
The adaptations associated with viviparity enable the parent to provide a controlled and protective environment for the developing embryo, enhancing its chances of survival compared to species that lay eggs that are susceptible to external hazards. Viviparous animals show a wide range of reproductive strategies, with variations in gestation periods, number of offspring produced, and the level of parental care provided.
Viviparity is a remarkable phenomenon that has significant implications in the evolutionary biology of organisms. It offers advantages such as increased offspring survival, allowing for more complex social structures and behaviors, and facilitating the colonization of a broader range of habitats. The study of viviparity provides valuable insights into the diversity of reproductive strategies across the animal kingdom and the ecological adaptations that have shaped the evolution of life.
Common Misspellings for VIVIPARITY
- viparity
- civiparity
- biviparity
- giviparity
- fiviparity
- vuviparity
- vjviparity
- vkviparity
- voviparity
- v9viparity
- v8viparity
- viciparity
- vibiparity
- vigiparity
- vifiparity
- vivuparity
- vivjparity
- vivkparity
- vivoparity
- viv9parity
Etymology of VIVIPARITY
The word "viviparity" is derived from the Latin words "vivus" and "parere".
- "Vivus" means "alive" or "living" in Latin.
- "Parere" means "to give birth" or "to bear" in Latin.
Combining these two Latin words, "vivus" and "parere", we get "viviparus", which means "bringing forth live young" or "giving birth to living offspring".
From "viviparus", the word was further modified to "viviparity", which refers to the reproductive mode in which offspring are born alive and fully developed, rather than hatching from an egg. This term is commonly used in the field of biology to describe certain types of reproduction in animals and plants.
Similar spelling words for VIVIPARITY
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