How do Living Things Sexually Reproduce?
Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female gametes (sperm and egg) to create a zygote. This zygote develops into a new organism. This process is important for genetic diversity, evolution, and species survival.
In Animals
- Gamete Production: Males produce sperm and females produce eggs through meiosis. Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in haploid gametes.
- Fertilization: When a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell, it restores the diploid chromosome number and forms a zygote. This zygote undergoes multiple divisions and differentiates into a new organism with a unique genetic makeup derived from both parents.
In Plants
- Gamete Production: Male gametophytes (pollen grains) are produced in the anthers, and female gametophytes (ovules) are produced in the pistil.
- Pollination: Pollen is transferred from the anther to the pistil through various methods, including wind (anemogamy) and animal pollinators.
- Fertilization: The male gamete from the pollen grain fuses with the female gamete in the ovule to form a zygote. This leads to the formation of seeds, which develop into new plants.
Genetic Variation and Evolution
- Sexual reproduction introduces genetic variation through the combination of genetic material from two parents. This genetic diversity is the foundation of evolution, enabling species to adapt to changing environments and survive.
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