pellucida is called the vitelline membrane or envelope, and the vitelline envelope in insects, and plays an important role in preventing cross-breeding of different species, especially in species such as fish that fertilize outside of the body. The zona pellucida is commonly used to control wildlife population problems by immunocontraception. When the zona pellucida of one animal species is injected into the bloodstream of another, it results in sterility of the second species due to immune response. This effect can be temporary or permanent, depending on the method used. In New Jersey, immunocontraception using porcine zona pellucida has been trialled for the control of deer. Additional images References Further reading Bagnell C (2005). "Animal Reproduction". Rutgers University Department of Animal Sciences. External links - "Female Reproductive System: ovary, cumulus oophorus " - "Female Reproductive System: ovary, multilaminar primary follicle" - "Mammal, canine ovary (LM, High)" Image at um.edu.mt Image at um.edu.mt Germ cell structures Reproductive system Vertebrate developmental biology