Live

Live birth refers to the process where animals give birth to live offspring that develop inside the mother, as opposed to laying eggs. This is a characteristic of mammals, with the exception of monotremes, which lay eggs. Live birth also occurs in some non-mammalian species, such as some species of snakes, lizards, and sharks.

Overview

Live birth involves the fertilization of the eggs inside the female, followed by the development and growth of the offspring inside the mother's body. The offspring receives nourishment and oxygen through a placenta, which is an organ that connects the mother and the offspring. The offspring is born fully formed, although its size and level of development can vary among different species.

Types of Live Birth

There are three main types of live birth: viviparity, ovoviviparity, and ovuliparity.

• Viviparity is the most common type of live birth, where the offspring develops inside the mother and is nourished by the mother's body. This is the type of live birth seen in most mammals.

• Ovoviviparity is a type of live birth where the eggs are fertilized and develop inside the mother, but the offspring is nourished by the yolk of the egg, not the mother's body. This type of live birth is seen in some species of snakes and lizards.

• Ovuliparity is a type of live birth where the eggs are retained inside the mother until they are ready to hatch. The offspring is nourished by the yolk of the egg, and the mother gives birth to live young. This type of live birth is seen in some species of fish and invertebrates.

See Also

• Oviparity
• Reproduction
• Mammal

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