Foetiparous

/fɪˈtɪpərəs/ adjective

Definition

Bearing or producing live fetuses; relating to viviparous reproduction (giving birth to live young).

Etymology

From Latin 'foetus' (fetus) + '-parous' (from 'parere,' meaning 'to give birth'). This biological term distinguishes organisms that develop fetuses internally from those that lay eggs.

Kelly Says

This word highlights a major evolutionary divide: mammals like humans are foetiparous, meaning we invest heavily in developing each baby internally, which is much riskier but allows for smarter, more dependent babies.

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