Definition

Describing animals that lay eggs which develop and hatch outside of their bodies.

Example

Many reptiles and birds are oviparous, laying eggs in nests or on the ground.

Conversation

Did you know that some reptiles are oviparous?

Really? I thought they all gave live birth.

Nope, many actually lay eggs that hatch outside their bodies.

That's fascinating! I love learning about animal reproduction.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Oviparous → It is formed from "ovi-" (from Latin "ovum", meaning egg) and "-parous" (from Latin "parere", meaning to bear or produce). The word describes organisms that produce or bear eggs.

Memory Tip

Think of 'egg' ('ovi-') and 'bearing' ('-parous') to remember that oviparous refers to animals that lay eggs.

Visually Confused Words