Chapter Overview
This chapter delves into the reproductive mechanisms in animals, discussing both sexual and asexual reproduction. It covers the formation of gametes, the process of fertilization, and the development of the embryo. The chapter also explains the various reproductive strategies and their significance in maintaining genetic diversity and species survival.
Important Keywords
- Reproduction: The biological process by which new individual organisms are produced.
- Sexual Reproduction: A process involving the fusion of male and female gametes to produce genetically diverse offspring.
- Asexual Reproduction: Reproduction without the fusion of gametes, producing genetically identical offspring.
- Gametes: Reproductive cells (sperm and egg) that unite during fertilization.
- Fertilization: The union of sperm and egg to form a zygote.
- Embryo: The early developmental stage after fertilization.
- Mitosis: A type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, important in growth and regeneration.
- Genetic Diversity: Variation in the genetic makeup among individuals within a species.