Core Terminology 10: Reproduction Flashcards
Reproductive strategy
the method by which species ensure that sufficient young survive to make up the next generation
Fertilisation
fusion of male gamete(n) with a female gamete (n) to produce a zygote (2n)
Zygote
product of a fertilised egg
Embryo
the zygote that divides into many cells by mitosis
External fertilisation
fertilisation outside the female body
Internal fertilisation
fertilisation inside the female body
Amniotic egg
A type of egg where the embryo develops inside a fluid-filled sac which is surrounded by a shell
Oviparous (egg-laying)
embryo develops in an egg, outside the female?s body
Viviparous
embryo develops inside a uterus inside the female?s body; young are born live
Ovoviviparous
has eggs with shells, but these are not laid, they are held inside the female?s body until they hatch
Precocial development
young that are born are able to see, move and look after themselves
Altricial development
young are not fully developed, born helpless, cannot move around or feed themselves
Parental care
pattern where parents spend their time feeding and protecting their offspring to ensure that more survive.
Testes
male reproductive organs where sperm is produced
Sperm cells
male gametes
Testosterone
male hormones responsible for secondary male characteristics
Scrotum
sac-like structure enclosing the testes
Spermatogenesis
process whereby sperm is formed in the testes
Epidydimis
stores sperm
Vas deferens (sperm duct)
transports sperm from the epidydimis to urethra
Prostate gland
produces alkaline fluid which is added to sperm; protects against the acidity of vagina; increases mobility of sperm
Cowpers gland
secretes mucous which is added to semen for nutrition
seminal vesicles
secretes fluid to make sperm more mobile