Oophagy

Oophagy is a mode of reproduction or a survival strategy, where the developing embryos feed on eggs produced by the ovary while still inside the mother's body. The term is derived from the Greek words oion, meaning egg, and phagein, meaning to eat. This phenomenon is observed in some fish, reptiles, insects, and sharks.

Overview

Oophagy is a form of intrauterine cannibalism, a reproductive strategy where the offspring in the uterus feed on each other. This strategy is observed in some species of sharks, such as the sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus), where the first embryo to hatch consumes its siblings. This ensures that the surviving offspring is the fittest and has the best chance of survival after birth.

In some species of snakes, such as the king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), the female produces unfertilized eggs specifically for the developing embryos to feed on. This is known as ovoviviparity, a mode of reproduction where the eggs are hatched within the body of the parent.

In Fish

Among fish, oophagy is observed in species like the bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) and the blue marlin (Makaira nigricans). The developing embryos feed on the eggs that are released by the mother into the ovarian cavity. This provides the embryos with the necessary nutrients for their development.

In Insects

In insects, oophagy is a survival strategy observed in species like the parasitoid wasp (Copidosoma floridanum). The female wasp lays two eggs in the host caterpillar. One of these eggs develops into a male and the other into a female. The female egg then produces hundreds of additional eggs that are consumed by the original male and female larvae for their growth and development.

See Also

• Adelphophagy
• Cannibalism (zoology)
• Ovoviviparity
• Sand tiger shark
• King cobra

References

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