ovovivipáris

Ovoviviparity is a mode of reproduction in animals in which the embryo develops inside an egg that remains within the mother's body until it hatches. The eggs are fertilized internally, and the mother retains them within her oviducts or uterus. Unlike viviparity, where the embryo receives nourishment directly from the mother through a placenta, in ovoviviparity, the developing embryo relies on the yolk within the egg for sustenance. Once the embryo is sufficiently developed, the eggs hatch inside the mother, and the live young are then born. This reproductive strategy blurs the lines between oviparity (egg-laying) and viviparity (live birth).

Many animal groups exhibit ovoviviparity, including certain species of fish, sharks, reptiles, and invertebrates. For instance, some sharks, like the great white shark, are ovoviviparous. In these cases, the fertilized eggs remain within the mother's body, and the pups hatch internally before being born live. Similarly, some snakes and lizards are ovoviviparous, with their eggs developing and hatching inside the mother. This method allows the developing embryos to be protected by the mother's body, potentially increasing their survival rates compared to eggs laid externally. The term "ovoviviparous" literally translates to "egg-living-born," reflecting this unique reproductive strategy.