Animal Reproduction and Development Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to animal reproduction and development.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving the fusion of gametes, leading to genetic variation in offspring.

Parthenogenesis

A form of asexual reproduction in which an unfertilized egg develops into an offspring.

Gametes

Specialized sex cells (sperm and egg) required for sexual reproduction.

Spermatophore

A capsule containing sperm transferred to the female during internal fertilization.

Second Male Advantage

Adaptations to displace sperm from previous matings.

Acrosome

Enzyme-filled packet in sperm for digesting the jelly layer or corona radiata of an egg.

Corona Radiata

Protective layer of cells surrounding a human oocyte.

External Fertilization

The process of fertilization that occurs outside the body, often involving synchronized release of gametes.

Internal Fertilization

Fertilization that occurs inside the body, typically requiring copulation or spermatophore transfer.

Polyspermy

The fertilization of an egg by more than one sperm.

Vitelline Envelope

Extracellular matrix outside the egg plasma membrane.

Fertilization Envelope

A barrier that prevents additional sperm from fertilizing an egg after the initial sperm fusion.

Oviparity

A strategy for embryo development where eggs are laid and the embryo develops in the external environment.

Viviparity

A strategy where embryos develop inside the mother and rely on the mother for food.

Ovoviviparity

A strategy where embryos develop in the mother's body but rely on yolk for food without nutrient exchange from the mother.

Amniote Egg

Egg with specialized membranes that protect the developing embryo.

Cleavage

Rapid cell division without significant growth, forming a blastula.

Blastula

Hollow ball of cells formed during early embryonic development.

Gastrulation

Process in embryonic development that forms the three germ layers.

Ectoderm

The outermost of the three germ layers in an embryo that gives rise to the nervous system and epidermis.

Mesoderm

The middle germ layer in an embryo that gives rise to the skeletal, circulatory, and muscular systems.

Endoderm

The innermost germ layer in an embryo that gives rise to the epithelial lining of the digestive and respiratory tracts.

Puberty

The transition to sexual maturity influenced by hormones and potentially body fat.

Menstrual Cycle

The female reproductive cycle in humans, characterized by menstruation and hormonal changes.

Estrous Cycle

The reproductive cycle in most mammals that does not include menstruation.

Estradiol

An ovarian hormone, surges in follicular phase.

Progesterone

An ovarian hormone, surges in luteal phase.

LH

Luteinizing hormone--pituitary hormone, surge induces ovulation

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone--pituitary hormone