Definition

Describing organisms that give birth to live young rather than laying eggs, including most mammals and some reptiles and fish.

Example

Many mammals are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs.

Conversation

Did you know that some species of sharks are viviparous?

Really? I thought they all laid eggs like most fish.

Nope, some actually give birth to live young instead.

That's fascinating! Nature has so many surprises.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Viviparous → It is formed from "vivus" (meaning alive) and "parere" (meaning to bring forth or give birth). The word describes organisms that give birth to live young rather than laying eggs, emphasizing the aspect of being alive at birth.

Memory Tip

Think of 'alive' ('vivus') and 'giving birth' ('parere') to remember that viviparous refers to animals that bring forth live young.

Visually Confused Words