Oviparous vs. Viviparous: 11 Differences, Examples

Key Differences (Oviparous vs Viviparous)

May 13, 2024 | by Bloom Code Studio

Basis for Comparison	Oviparous	Viviparous
Definition	An oviparous animal is an animal that produces eggs that later hatch to produce the young ones after being propelled out of the body of the female.	A viviparous animal is an animal that develops an embryo inside the body of the female, resulting in the live birth of a young one.
Mode of reproduction	Oviparous animals lay eggs that later hatch to form young ones.	Viviparous animals give direct birth to young ones.
Fertilization	Oviparous animals might undergo internal or external fertilization.	Viviparous animals reproduce exclusively by internal fertilization.
Development of zygote	The development of a zygote occurs outside the body of the mother.	The development of a zygote occurs within the body of the mother.
Nutrients	The embryo receives nutrients via the egg yolk.	The embryo receives nutrients from the mother through the placenta or similar structures.
Chance of survival	The chance of survival of the young ones is comparatively less as the eggs are laid in the environment where they are prone to various dangers.	The chance of survival of the young ones is comparatively more as they are protected inside the body of the mother with a sufficient supply of nutrients.
Hard covering	The eggs produced by oviparous animals are covered with hard shells to provide protection to the developing embryo.	The embryo is inside the body of the mother and is not covered with any hard covering.
Danger to the mother	Because there is no direct childbirth, the mother is not at risk.	The mother might be at risk during childbearing or childbirth.
Reproduction	Reproduction in oviparous animals usually occurs at a time where there is sufficient food available for the embryo.	Viviparous might reproduce at any time of the year as they provide nutrients through the reserve fat.
Parental care	Oviparous animals look after their eggs after laying them.	Some viviparous animals show parental care after birth, while others don’t.
Examples	Examples of oviparous animals include frogs, snakes, lizards, hens, duck, fishes, shark, penguins, butterflies, octopus, etc.	Examples of viviparous animals include humans, bears, giraffes, cattle, some sharks, salamanders, some frogs, etc.

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