Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female reproductive cells, or gametes, to produce a new organism. In most animals, including humans, this process involves the joining of a sperm cell from the male with an egg cell from the female. The resulting offspring inherits genetic material from both parents, leading to genetic diversity within the population.

Asexual Reproduction

Asexual reproduction involves the production of offspring from a single parent, without the involvement of gametes. This can occur through various methods such as budding, fragmentation, or spore formation. The offspring produced through asexual reproduction are genetically identical to the parent, leading to the formation of clones.

Study Guide

Key Concepts

Definition of reproduction
Differences between sexual and asexual reproduction
Advantages and disadvantages of sexual and asexual reproduction
Examples of sexual and asexual reproduction in plants and animals

Key Terms

Gamete
Fertilization
Offspring
Cloning
Budding
Fragmentation
Spore formation

Discussion Questions

What are the advantages of sexual reproduction in terms of genetic diversity?
How does asexual reproduction contribute to population growth in certain organisms?
Can you think of examples of plants and animals that reproduce both sexually and asexually?
Why is reproduction important for the survival of a species?