reproduction

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes and results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.

Advantages of asexual reproduction

Only requires a single individual, can produce a large number of offspring quickly, and is well-suited for stable environments where offspring are clones of well-adapted parents.

Disadvantages of asexual reproduction

Low genetic variation in population, which hinders natural selection and adaptation in changing environments.

Types of asexual reproduction

Includes fission, budding, fragmentation, and parthenogenesis.

Fission

A type of asexual reproduction where an organism splits into two after a period of growth.

Budding

A type of asexual reproduction where an outgrowth from a part of a parent organism leads to the formation of a new individual.

Fragmentation

A type of asexual reproduction involving the breaking of the body into parts, with subsequent regeneration of each part.

Parthenogenesis

A form of asexual reproduction where an egg develops into a complete organism without being fertilized.

Sexual reproduction

Production of a new organism via the combination of genetic information from two individuals.

Advantages of sexual reproduction

Offspring have a novel combination of genes, leading to high genetic variation and opportunities for adaptation.

Disadvantage of sexual reproduction

Requires finding a mate

Reproductive cycles

Typically influenced by changing seasons and controlled by hormones in response to environmental cues.

Fertilization

The union of an egg and sperm (gametes) to form a zygote.

External fertilization

Fertilization that occurs outside the body in a watery environment where females release eggs and males release sperm.

Internal fertilization

Fertilization occurs inside the female body where the male delivers sperm directly.

Sex determination in animals

Determined by the type of gamete an organism produces, with males producing small motile gametes (sperm) and females producing large non-motile gametes (eggs).

Hermaphrodites

Organisms capable of producing both male and female gametes.

Genetic sex determination

Sex determined by specific sex chromosomes that control gonad development.

Temperature dependent sex determination (TSD)

A process found in some reptiles where the sex of the embryo is determined by the temperature during incubation.