Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

viviparous

Adjective

/ˌvɪvɪˈpɛrəs/

Definition

Producing live young instead of eggs.

Examples

The viviparous nature of many mammals allows them to care for their young immediately after birth.
Some species of sharks are viviparous, giving birth to live young instead of laying eggs.
In contrast to oviparous animals, which lay eggs, viviparous animals have a more direct form of reproduction.

Meaning

The term ‘viviparous’ refers to organisms that give birth to live offspring rather than hatching from eggs. This reproduction method is common in mammals and some species of reptiles and fish.