Sexual reproduction is a mode of reproduction where offspring are produced through the fusion of specialized reproductive cells, or gametes, from two parent organisms. It typically involves the formation of male and female gametes (sperm and egg) through meiosis, followed by fertilization when these gametes unite. Sexual reproduction is commonly observed in many multicellular organisms, including animals, plants, and fungi, contributing to genetic diversity and adaptation within species.
Gametogenesis is the process through which gametes form in the gonads during meiosis. There are two of these.
Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm cell development in the testes of male organisms. It involves multiple mitotic and meiotic divisions, resulting in the production of four functional sperm cells from a single spermatogonium.
Oogenesis, on the other hand, is the process of egg cell development in the ovaries of female organisms. It is a more complex and extended process than spermatogenesis, with one mature egg cell produced from each oogonium after several rounds of meiotic divisions. Oogenesis also includes the formation of polar bodies, which are smaller non-functional cells.
Characteristic | Male | Female |
Gonads | Testes (Two in numbers) | Ovaries (Two in numbers) |
Location | Hanging outside in a sac called scrotal sac. | Located in the abdominal cavity. |
Function | Produces sperm (spermatogenesis). | Produces eggs (ovum). |
Ducts | Epididymis to collect sperm. | Oviduct or fallopian tube to collect eggs from the ovary. |
Glands | Vas deferens (Two in numbers). | Vagina receives semen containing many sperm. |
Penis (muscular organ for transferring semen). | Ovary also functions as a gland. | |
Accessory Glands | Prostate gland. | – |
Cowper’s gland. | – | |
Seminal vesicle. | – |
Fertilization is the process in which a sperm cell from the male and an egg cell from the female combine to form a zygote, initiating the development of a new organism.
Characteristic | Internal Fertilization | External Fertilization |
Location of Fertilization | Inside the female’s body | Outside the bodies of parents |
Protection of Gametes | Gametes are protected from environmental factors and predators | Gametes are vulnerable to environmental conditions and predation |
Dependency on Water | Not dependent on water, allowing reproduction in various terrestrial environments | Requires water as a medium for the fusion of gametes, limiting reproduction to aquatic habitats |
Offspring Survival | Generally, offspring have a higher chance of survival due to parental care and protection | Offspring often have lower survival rates as they are exposed to external threats without parental care |