The life history and reproductive strategy of an organism influences the developmental pattern it undergoes. The eggs of many invertebrates, as well as those of amphibians and some fish are lightly yolked because initial development finishes when the animal reaches a larval stage. At this point, the larvae must acquire food on their own to enable them to develop into the adult, sexually mature form. Often, larval forms and adult forms exploit different food resources. Reptiles, which don't have larvae, evolved from amphibians, which have larvae.
Mammals likewise have direct development.
In monotremes, nutriment comes from egg yolk. In the pouch, the young suckle for nutrition. In placentals, nutrients are supplied directly from the mother via the umbilical cord. But, viviparity has evolved in other lineages. Sharks, for example, bear live young.