Final answer:
The basic methods of sexual reproduction in vertebrates are ovipary, ovovivipary, and vivipary.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sexual reproduction in vertebrates can be divided into three main methods: ovipary, ovovivipary, and vivipary.
- Ovipary: In this method, eggs are laid outside the female's body, and fertilization typically occurs externally. Examples of vertebrates that reproduce through ovipary include birds and reptiles.
- Ovovivipary: In ovovivipary, the female retains the fertilized eggs inside her body until they hatch. The developing embryos receive nourishment from an egg yolk. Certain species of sharks and some reptiles, such as snakes, use ovovivipary for reproduction.
- Vivipary: Vivipary is a form of internal fertilization where the developing embryos receive nutrients directly from the parent, usually through a placenta. Mammals, such as humans, and some species of fish, like guppies, exhibit vivipary.
These three methods of sexual reproduction in vertebrates allow for genetic diversity and the survival of different species in various environments.