SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN ANIMALS

GROUPINGS (8 MEMBERS)

INTRODUCTION

@Clemmy Zaulda

Sexual reproduction is a way animals make babies by combining special cells from two parents. These cells, called sperm
from males and eggs from females, join together to create a new organism. This process brings together genetic material
from both parents, resulting in offspring with a unique combination of traits.

GENETIC VARIATION

@Nash Tambong

This variation is essential because it allows species to adapt to changing environments and increases the chances of
survival for some individuals.

Genetic variation refers to the differences in traits among individuals of the same species. It happens because each
individual inherits a unique combination of genes from its parents.

For example, think of a family with siblings. Even though they share the same parents, they might have different eye
colors, hair textures, or heights. These variations are a result of the diverse combinations of genes each child inherits from
their parents, showcasing genetic variation.

CONJUGATION

@Jillian Mae Rembulat

Conjugation in biology refers to the transfer of genetic material between two bacteria. During conjugation, one bacterium
(donor) passes a portion of its DNA to another bacterium (recipient). This process allows for the exchange of traits, such
as antibiotic resistance.

Imagine it like bacteria having a tiny "handshake" where they swap genetic information, enhancing their genetic diversity.
Conjugation is a method bacteria use to share useful genes and adapt to changing environments.

GAMETOGENESIS

@Ester Regalado

(Please refer to your handouts)

GAMETES

@Atasha Jorraine Concepcion

Gametes are special cells involved in sexual reproduction. In simple terms, they are the "sex cells" that come together
during fertilization to create a new organism. In humans, these cells are the egg (from females) and sperm (from males).
Each gamete carries half of the genetic information needed to form a new individual. When an egg and a sperm fuse, the
resulting cell (zygote) has a complete set of genetic instructions, combining traits from both parents.

HERMAPHRODITES

@Shey Marie

Hermaphrodites are organisms that have both male and female reproductive organs. In simpler terms, it means they can
produce both eggs and sperm. This enables them to engage in various forms of reproduction, either by self-fertilization or
by exchanging gametes with another individual of the same species. It's like having a "dual" reproductive system within
one organism. Some plants, snails, and certain types of fish are examples of hermaphroditic organisms.

FERTILIZATION

@Christian Angelou Velitario

Fertilization is the process where a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell, forming a fertilized egg or zygote. This typically
occurs in the fallopian tube of the female reproductive system. The fusion of genetic material from both parents results in
the formation of a new individual with a unique combination of genetic traits.

EXTERNAL FERTILIZATION

@Elay Rufin

External fertilization is a reproductive process in which the fusion of egg and sperm occurs outside the bodies of the
individuals involved. This is common in aquatic organisms, such as many fish and amphibians. Both eggs and sperm are
released into the environment, and fertilization takes place in the water. External fertilization increases the chances of
successful reproduction in environments where direct mating may be challenging.

MATING:

@Christian Angelou Velitario

Mating is the process by which individuals come together for the purpose of reproduction. It involves various behaviors
and interactions that lead to fertilization. In species with internal fertilization, mating often includes courtship rituals,
copulation, and the transfer of gametes (sperm) from the male to the female. In species with external fertilization, mating
may involve the release of eggs and sperm into the environment, where fertilization occurs externally. Mating behaviors
can be complex and species-specific, driven by evolutionary and biological factors to ensure successful reproduction.

INTERNAL FERTILIZATION

@Janessa De Pedro

Internal fertilization involves the union of egg and sperm inside the reproductive tract of one of the mating individuals.
This process is common in many terrestrial animals, including mammals, reptiles, and some insects. The male typically
deposits sperm directly into the female's reproductive organs, where fertilization takes place. Internal fertilization often
provides a more controlled environment for the development of the fertilized egg, offering protection from external threats
and increasing the chances of offspring survival.

EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT

@Elay Rufin

External development refers to the growth and maturation of an organism that occurs outside the protection of a parent's
body. Many aquatic organisms, such as fish and amphibians, exhibit external development. In these cases, eggs are often
laid in the external environment, and the developing embryos undergo various stages of development outside the parental
body. This strategy can be advantageous in certain environments, providing the offspring with immediate exposure to
external conditions and reducing the burden on the parent in terms of resource allocation.

INTERNAL DEVELOPMENT

@Janessa De Pedro
Internal development refers to the growth and maturation of an organism that occurs within the protective environment of
a parent's body. This process is characteristic of many vertebrates, including mammals, birds, and some reptiles. The key
stages of internal development are as follows:

1. *Fertilization:* Internal development begins with the fusion of sperm and egg cells, usually within the female's
reproductive tract. This results in the formation of a fertilized egg or zygote.

2. *Embryonic Development:* The fertilized egg undergoes multiple cell divisions, forming a structure called the embryo.
This early development often occurs inside specialized structures, such as the uterus in mammals or within eggs for some
reptiles and birds.

3. *Implantation (in mammals):* In mammals, the developing embryo attaches itself to the lining of the uterus in a
process called implantation. This allows for a close connection between the embryo and the maternal circulatory system,
facilitating the exchange of nutrients and waste.

4. *Gestation:* Following implantation, gestation begins, during which the embryo develops into a fetus. The duration of
gestation varies among species. Mammals, for example, can have relatively short gestation periods (e.g., dogs) or longer
ones (e.g., elephants).

5. *Nutrient Exchange:* During gestation, the developing organism receives nutrients and oxygen from the mother
through the placenta (in mammals). This exchange sustains the growing fetus and allows for waste removal.

6. *Birth:* Internal development culminates in the birth of the offspring. The timing and process of birth vary among
species. In mammals, birth often involves the expulsion of the fully developed offspring from the mother's body.

Internal development provides several advantages, including protection from environmental hazards, a controlled and
stable environment for embryonic growth, and increased chances of offspring survival. This strategy is particularly
beneficial for species living in diverse or challenging environments