Human Reproduction Flashcards
What is reproduction?
This is the biological process by which new individual organism (offspring) is made
Two reasons why is reproduction important?
1) It allows for the continuation of the species
2) it ensures the survival of the species
What are the two types of reproduction? Explain them
1)Asexual Reproduction - this is when one individual produce offspring without fertilization.
These offspring are genetically identical to each other and their parents. Clones are produced.
2) Sexual Reproduction - this involves two parents producing special reproductive cells or gametes(ova and spermatozoa)
Fusion of gametes produces offspring that are different from each other and from both parents.
What are 4 advantages and 3 disadvantages of Asexual reproduction?
Advantages
1) Less time and energy wasted to seek a mate
2) Large numbers of offsprings produced
3) Offsprings can be continuously produced and therefore quickly
4) If the parent is of ‘superior’ quality, the offspring will also be of superior quality
Disadvantages
1) If the environment is changing, the offspring will find it difficult to survive
2) If the parent is of ‘poor’ quality, the offspring will also be of poor quality
3) Over crowding and competition as the offspring colonize the same areas as the parent
What are 4 advantages and 4 disadvantages of Sexual Reproduction?
Advantages
1) Genetic variability of the species is increased
2) Species are likely to be able to adapt to a changing environment
3) Species can be able to colonize new areas successfully
4) If both parents are of ‘poor’ quality, the offspring may be of better quality
Disadvantages
1) More time and energy wasted to find a mate
2) Offsprings are not produced continuously and therefore slow
3) Few offsprings may be produced ( in humans)
4) Even if the parents are of good quality, the offspring can be off poor quality
What is the primary male reproductive organ?
Testes
What hormone is primarily responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics?
Testosterone
True or False: The ovaries are the primary female reproductive organs.
True
Fill in the blank: The female gamete is called a _____.
Ovum
What structure connects the ovaries to the uterus?
Fallopian tubes
Which phase of the menstrual cycle is characterized by the thickening of the endometrium?
Proliferative phase
What is the term for the release of an ovum from the ovary?
Ovulation
True or False: Fertilization typically occurs in the uterus.
False
What is the name of the protective fluid-filled sac that surrounds the developing fetus?
Amniotic sac
What is the typical duration of a human pregnancy?
About 40 weeks
What is the main purpose of the placenta during pregnancy?
To provide nutrients and oxygen to the fetus
Fill in the blank: The male reproductive system produces sperm and _____.
Testosterone
What is the term for the genetic makeup of an individual?
Genotype
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a method of contraception? A) Condom B) Pill C) Ovulation D) IUD
C) Ovulation
True or False: The endometrium sheds during the menstrual phase.
True
What is the term for the stage of development from fertilization to the eighth week of gestation?
Embryo
What is the role of the seminal vesicles in the male reproductive system?
To produce a fluid that nourishes and helps transport sperm
Fill in the blank: The process of cell division that produces gametes is called _____.
Meiosis
What is the average lifespan of sperm in the female reproductive tract?
3 to 5 days
True or False: An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
True
Multiple choice: Which hormone primarily regulates the menstrual cycle? A) Estrogen B) Progesterone C) Both A and B D) Testosterone
C) Both A and B
What is the term for the stage of development after the eighth week of gestation?
Fetus
Fill in the blank: The female reproductive cycle is regulated by hormones produced by the _____.
Pituitary gland
What is the purpose of the cervix during childbirth?
To dilate and allow passage of the baby
