What reproductive method is used by whale sharks, resulting in live young?
Answer
Ovoviviparous
Whale sharks employ an ovoviviparous reproductive strategy. This biological process involves the mother retaining the eggs internally, allowing them to develop and hatch inside her body cavity before she gives birth to fully formed, live young. This contrasts with being oviparous (laying eggs) or viviparous (where the embryo develops via a placenta-like structure receiving nutrients directly from the mother during gestation). This method can result in a very large litter size, sometimes numbering in the dozens of pups.
#Videos
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Whale Sharks - YouTube
Related Questions
Are whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, classified as mammals or fish?What is the approximate weight of a mature whale shark specimen?What unique skin feature serves as an inherent identification marker for Rhincodon typus?What structures act as a sieve within the whale shark's mouth when ram filter feeding?What primary food sources constitute the humble diet of the massive whale shark?What reproductive method is used by whale sharks, resulting in live young?How long are newborn whale shark pups when they emerge during a birth event?What characteristic of whale shark distribution contributes to population assessment difficulties across regions?What is the current classification for the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) on the IUCN Red List?What is the term for the accidental capture of whale sharks in fishing gear intended for other species?