Ovoviviparity — A traditional term for retaining eggs inside the mother while embryos rely mainly on yolk, followed by the birth of live young. Some modern literature treats this pattern within the broader category of viviparity.
Understanding by example
When a source uses “ovoviviparous,” separate how the young are delivered from how embryos obtain nutrients. Two animals may both give birth to live young while differing in the degree of nutritional exchange between mother and embryo.
Common misconceptions
Treating ovoviviparity and viviparity as two universally separate boxes can misrepresent current terminology. Check how each author distinguishes yolk dependence from maternal provisioning. It is also inaccurate to say that every reptile lays eggs outside the body.
Related reading and sources
For species-specific context, see Reproduction in the Kenyan Sand Boa. Browse the full glossary.
Basic reference: Blackburn — Use and limitations of the term ovoviviparity.