Describing an organism that carries or produces offspring on its back, as some amphibians and insects do.
From Latin dorsum (back) + -parous (bearing, producing). The suffix -parous comes from parere (to produce or bear). This term emerged in zoological literature to describe specific reproductive strategies.
Some frogs are literally baby-delivery services on their backs—the Surinam toad is the creepiest example, with babies emerging from the mother's back in a horrifying but incredible display of dorsiparous reproduction!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.