Which Describes Viviparity in Living Reptiles

Question

Which describes viviparity in living reptiles?
A)It has evolved at least 100 times.
B)It increases the length of time the eggs are kept in the oviduct.
C)It is usually associated with cold climates.
D)It is only found in squamates.
E)All of these choices are correct.

Accepted Answer

Viviparity, or live birth, in reptiles has evolved multiple times, indicating its evolutionary advantage in various contexts, including in cold climates where it can offer better survival rates for offspring. It inherently involves retaining eggs within the oviduct for an extended period until live young are born, and while it is most common in squamates (lizards and snakes), it is not exclusive to them, indicating a broad adaptation across different reptile groups.