Modes of Reproduction

  • Several processes such as circulation of blood, digestion and respiration are essential for the survival of human beings and other animals.
  • Similarly, reproduction is essential to maintain continuity in the species.
  • If reproduction in animals does not take place, no similar kind of organisms will be present on the earth generation of the generation.

What is Reproduction?

Reproduction is the process of continuation of similar kinds of individuals, generation after generation. In this process, all living beings produce their young ones for continuity of life on the planet earth. In this process, an organism gives birth to a new individual of its own kind. It is a biological process in which new organisms are produced from existing organisms. All organisms reproduce (whether plants, animals, or microorganisms) to keep their species alive.

Why is Reproduction important?

  • Organisms reproduce to keep their species alive
  • If organisms do not reproduce, species will become extinct
  • So reproduction is necessary for the continuation of species(organisms) generation after generation

Modes of Reproduction in Animals

There are two modes of reproduction in animals:

  • Sexual Reproduction
  • Asexual Reproduction

Similarities between Reproduction in Plants and Animals

  • Plants and animals can both undergo the sexual and asexual processes of reproduction.
  • Just like plants, in animals, males and females have different reproductive organs.
  • In both plants and animals, the zygote is formed when the male and female gametes fuse together and hence the zygote develops into a new individual.

Reproduction in Human Beings

  • In Human Beings, Sexual Reproduction is used to reproduce
  • We know that in Sexual Reproduction,
  • Male and Female Gametes Fuse to form Zygote. This Zygote later develops into New Individual

Steps

  • In males, Testes produce male gametes called Sperms
  • In females, Ovaries produce female gametes called Eggs (or Ova)
  • Nuclei of Sperms and Ova fuse (combine). This process is called fertilization
  • After fertilization, the zygote is formed (fertilized egg is called a zygote)
  • Zygote cells divide repeatedly to form a ball of cells
  • These balls of cells form tissues and organs, This is called embryo
  • Embryo further develop in the wall of the uterus
  • When all body parts of an embryo can be fully identified, it is called foetus
  • When foetus is ready, the mother gives birth to a baby

Procedure for Reproduction in Humans

  • Male sperm cells enter the body through the vagina
  • They go into the uterus and from there into oviducts
  • Ovaries produce egg or ova
  • Ovaries release a single egg every month to the oviduct
  • In the oviduct, one of the male sperm cells fertilize with the ova to form the zygote
  • Zygote multiples repeatedly to form an embryo
  • The embryo develops into foetus in a few months in the uterus of  the female
  • After a few months, the baby is formed

Types of Reproduction:-

Sexual reproduction:

The process in which two parents participate in producing their offspring. Sexual reproduction is a natural way of reproduction in humans, animals and the majority of plants. It takes place when male and female gametes fuse together to form a new organism.

Asexual reproduction:

The process in which a single parent divides itself and produces its offspring. The new individuals produced are genetically and physically identical to each other, i.e., they are the clones of their parents.