Summary:
- Vertebrates reproduce sexually, and almost all have separate male and female sexes.
- Aquatic species generally have external fertilization, whereas terrestrial species usually have internal fertilization.
- Vertebrates have one of three reproductive strategies, known as ovipary, ovoviviparies, or vivipary.
- The mother provides no nourishment to the developing embryo inside the egg.
- Birth may be followed by a period of parental care of the offspring.
- This reproductive strategy occurs in almost all mammals.
- The development of an embryo inside an egg within the mother’s body until it hatches.