1. Reproducing by means of eggs that are retained and hatch within the female's body, with the embryo receiving no nourishment from the mother.
Usage: biology; zoology

Examples

• Many sharks are ovoviviparous, keeping their eggs inside until the young are fully developed.
• Ovoviviparous reptiles retain their eggs internally but do not provide maternal nutrition to the embryos.
• The ovoviviparous reproduction strategy is common in certain fish and reptile species.
• Unlike viviparous mammals, ovoviviparous animals do not have a placenta to feed their developing young.
• Scientists classify garter snakes as ovoviviparous because they give birth to live young that developed from eggs inside the mother.