Did you know that some mammals lay eggs? Or that coral reefs are also egg-layers? Indeed, in the wild, laying an egg can be a complicated, often hazardous, but quite fascinating process.
Birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians, and insects all lay eggs. Species that reproduce by laying eggs are known as oviparous—animals that lay eggs outside the body. Those whose eggs develop and hatch inside the mother's body, then are born live, are called ovoviviparous. It's all part of a reproductive cycle that, like the animal kingdom itself, never ceases to amaze us.
In this gallery, we highlight the diverse species that lay eggs. And you'll be surprised by some of the animals hatched from them! Click on to continue reading.