Theory Questions – Reproductive System in Vertebrates

Evaluation Questions

1. Explain the following terms and give an example of an organism in which it occurs:

(i) Oviparity

Answer – In oviparity, the fertilized eggs are laid outside the female’s body and develop there. 

(ii) Viviparity

Answer – Viviparity is the development of the fertilized egg inside the female after which the mother gives birth to the young one alive.

(iii) Ovoviviparity

Answer – Ovoviviparity is the retaining of the fertilized egg within the female’s body but the embryo obtains its nourishment from the egg’s yolk until it hatches and is released from the mother.

2. Distinguish between internal fertilization and external fertilization.

Answer – External fertilization is the fertilization of the egg outside the body of the female while Internal fertilization is the fertilization of the egg inside the body of the female.