Definition

A group of animals that lay eggs, with the embryos developing outside the mother's body.

Example

Birds and reptiles are examples of ovipara, as they lay eggs to reproduce.

Conversation

Did you know that some animals are classified as ovipara?

Really? I always thought they just laid eggs without a special term.

Yeah, it refers to all those egg-laying animals as a group.

That's interesting! I want to learn more about ovipara now.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ovipara is formed from "ovi-" (from Latin "ovum", meaning egg) and "-para" (from Latin "parere", meaning to bear or bring forth). The term refers to organisms that lay eggs, thus literally meaning 'egg-bearing'.

Memory Tip

Think of 'egg' ('ovi-') and 'bearing' ('-para') to remember that 'ovipara' refers to creatures that lay eggs.

Visually Confused Words