Viviparous sharks are a group of sharks that give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. This reproductive method allows the embryos to develop inside the mother, receiving nutrients and oxygen through a placenta-like structure. Common examples of viviparous sharks include the great white shark and the hammerhead shark. Unlike oviparous sharks, which lay eggs, viviparous sharks provide a more protected environment for their developing young. This adaptation can increase the survival rate of the pups, as they are born fully formed and ready to swim away from predators immediately after birth.