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VIVIPARITY AND AVIAN REPRODUCTION
Author(s) -
Simkiss K.
Publication year - 1962
Publication title -
ibis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.933
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1474-919X
pISSN - 0019-1019
DOI - 10.1111/j.1474-919x.1962.tb08646.x
Subject(s) - ovulation , reproduction , biology , zoology , offspring , embryo , hormone , ecology , pregnancy , endocrinology , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics
SUMMARY A number of theories have been proposed to explain the absence of viviparity in birds, based upon considerations of weight and hormonal control in reproduction. It is here suggested that viviparity has not developed in birds owing to the unusual pattern of ovulation which they possess, and which would lead to a graduated series of developing embryos. To achieve viviparity it is suggested that birds would need to change their pattern of ovulation or be confined to producing only one offspring at a time.