Types of Internal Fertilization
There are different types of internal fertilization among different organisms that are adapted according to the environment. There are three major types of internal fertilization:
Oviparous
In this process, the fertilization of the sperm and egg takes place inside the female’s body but the development of the embryo takes place in the outside environment when the female lays the egg. The eggs are encased inside a shell and are incubated until it is hatched. This type of fertilization takes place in birds and reptiles.
Viviparous
Viviparous species give birth to young ones and in this type of internal fertilization, the embryo develops inside the female’s body. This involves the placenta which is a special organ that facilitates nutrients and gas exchange between the mother and the developing embryo. Most mammals, including humans and some species of shark exhibit viviparity giving birth to live young ones.
Ovoviviparous
This type is a blend of oviparous and viviparous type of fertilization. Fertilization is internal and the embryo develops inside the female’s body while encased in an egg. In this type, the embryo gets its nutrition from the egg yolk and not from the mother. Certain types of fish like guppies and a few snakes and lizards exhibit this type of fertilization.
Internal Fertilization
Internal fertilization is a reproduction process that occurs inside the body of the female organism. This type of fertilization is mostly seen in land animals, bony fishes, birds, reptiles, and mammals. For internal fertilization to take place the male sperm has to fuse with the female ovary in the female reproductive tract.
In this article, we will read about the process of internal fertilization, the types and examples of internal fertilization, the difference between internal and external fertilization, and the advantages and disadvantages of internal fertilization.
Table of Content
- What is Internal Fertilization?
- How does Internal Fertilization work?
- Types of Internal Fertilization
- Internal Fertilization Examples
- Difference between External Fertilization and Internal Fertilization
- Advantages of Internal Fertilization
- Disadvantages of Internal Fertilization