Question

Could the number of eggs or young ones produced by an oviparous and viviparous mother be equal? Why?

Answer 1

• The number of eggs produced by an oviparous mother will be higher than the young ones produced by a viviparous mother. This is because, in oviparous animals, the development of young ones takes place outside the mother’s body.
• Their eggs are more susceptible to environmental conditions and predators. In order to make up for the loss, women therefore develop more eggs in the hopes that some will survive and give birth to offspring even in hostile environments.
• On the other hand, in viviparous organisms, the development of young ones takes place in safe conditions inside the body of the mother.
• They are less exposed to environmental conditions and predators. Therefore, there are more chances of their survival and hence, fewer young ones are produced compared to the number of eggs.