Summary
Highlights
Animals reproduce to create babies similar to themselves. Reproduction can be categorized into two main types: asexual and sexual reproduction.
Sexual reproduction, common in most animals, involves two parents (a male and a female). Animals can be classified into three groups based on their sexual reproduction: oviparous, viviparous, and ovoviviparous.
Oviparous animals hatch from eggs. Examples include birds (like ducks), most reptiles (like chameleons), fish (some laying up to 500 eggs), and insects.
The babies of viviparous animals grow inside their mother's womb and are then born. Most mammals, including humans, dogs (which can give birth to up to 24 puppies), and cats, are viviparous.
Ovoviviparous animals have embryos that develop inside an egg, which remains inside the mother's womb, making them a mix of viviparous and oviparous. Examples include some sharks, snakes, and the platypus.
Asexual reproduction involves only one parent and does not require special reproductive organs. Organisms like jellyfish and sea sponges can make identical copies of themselves.