vivipara

Vivipara is a term used in biology that can refer to a taxonomic name as well as to a Latin root related to reproductive mode. The word derives from Latin viviparus, meaning “live-bearing,” and has historically appeared in scientific naming to signal viviparity in some organisms, or simply as part of a genus or species epithet.

In zoological taxonomy, Vivipara has been used as the name of a genus for certain small freshwater snails in various classification schemes. The use and status of the name have varied over time and across different authorities. In many modern checklists, Vivipara has been treated as obsolete or as a synonym of another genus, with species formerly placed in Vivipara reassigned accordingly as understanding of gastropod relationships has evolved.

Outside of formal taxonomy, the term can appear in discussions of reproductive biology as part of species descriptions that indicate live birth rather than egg laying. In contemporary science, however, reproductions terms such as viviparity and viviparous are more common, and the use of the genus name Vivipara in current literature is limited and often historical.

See also: viviparity, viviparous.