Question

A form of viviparity in which the female gives birth to larvae instead of depositing eggs is

• A. Larvagenesis
• B. Larviparity
• C. Larva laying
• D. Larvicidal

Hint:

The suffix "-parity" means birth or bearing offspring. "Larvi-" represents larvae, making "larviparity" the birth of larvae. It is different from "pupiparity", which means bearing pupae.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
While the majority of insects are oviparous (egg-laying), several groups have evolved reproductive strategies where embryogenesis is completed within the female reproductive tract.
Detailed Explanation:
- Larviparity (B): This is a mode of reproduction where eggs hatch internally within the mother's uterus, and the female subsequently deposits active first-instar larvae directly onto the food substrate.
This is commonly observed in families such as Sarcophagidae (flesh flies) and Tachinidae.
- Larvagenesis (A) is a pseudo-scientific term and is not a recognized biological classification of reproduction.
- Larva laying (C) is an informal descriptive phrase rather than a standardized scientific term.
- Larvicidal (D) is an adjective referring to substances or organisms that kill insect larvae.
Other specialized viviparous modes in insects include adenotrophic viviparity (where larvae are nourished internally and born ready to pupate) and hemocoelous viviparity.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The physiological mode of viviparity where females deposit larvae is termed Larviparity.