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Glite Dictionary
oviparity

oviparity

9.6
A way animals have babies by laying eggs that develop and hatch outside the mother's body
  • noun
  • /ˌoʊvɪˈpærɪti/
  • Specialized
translation icon : oviparidad
  • Birds are a prime example of oviparity, as they lay eggs that develop and hatch outside the mother's body.

Examples

  • Lizard species exhibiting oviparity lay eggs requiring a period of embryonic development in a nest—usually a day or more.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Historically, three terms have been used to describe vertebrate reproductive modes: oviparity, ovoviviparity, and viviparity.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Eggs retained in utero until late in development are included in oviparity.

    Academic text (1993)

  • The process of oviparity is evident in species like frogs, where they lay eggs that will later hatch into tadpoles.

  • Some reptiles exhibit oviparity, laying eggs in nests that provide protection from predators.

Synonyms

oviposition
vsoviparity
  • Specialized
1 8.5

To lay eggs, especially by insects or fish

describes a reproductive mode where eggs develop and hatch outside the mother's body

Antonyms

viviparity
  • Specialized
9.1

To give birth to live young instead of laying eggs

How Live-Bearing

viviparity
  • Specialized
9.1
ovoviviparity
  • Specialized
9.9
oviparity
  • Specialized
9.6

Surface Forms

oviparity singular
oviparities plural

Morphology

oviparity = oviparous (semi-transparent) = ovi + par + ity

Formation from the adjective 'oviparous' to the noun 'oviparity' by the productive suffix '-ity' is regular and straightforward.

Etymology

Oviparity comes from the Latin parts ovi- meaning 'egg' and -parity meaning 'to bring forth', a root related to parent. So, oviparity is the way animals lay or 'bring forth' eggs that develop and hatch outside the mother's body.