Reproductive Stratgies in Vertebrates

Question 0

what is species

Answer 0

• group of organisms that can successfully reproduce

- plenty of animals can produce hybrids but these hybrids are infertile

Question 1

what is reproductive success

Answer 1

having offspring that themselves go on to have their own offspring

Question 2

what are the 3 major obstacles to overcome and achieve reproductive success

Answer 2

• fertilization of the eggs
• survival of fertilized eggs to hatching
• survival of offspring to reproductive age

Question 3

fertilization problem

Answer 3

• most animals use external fertilization which means the eggs are fertilized outside the female
• requires a wet environment so the sperm have something to swim in
• to minimize wastage some animals release their gametes at the same time and place
• ex fish, amphibians
• reptiles and mammals used internal fertilization so the abs are fertilized directly inside the female, fertilization is almost guaranteed

Question 4

what is oviparous

Answer 4

• animal lays eggs and has external development

- fish, amphibians, reptiles, platypus

Question 5

what is viviparous

Answer 5

• have internal development

- humans, sharks, snakes (give live birth)

Question 6

growing problem

Answer 6

• even if an egg hatches there is no guarantee that the offspring will survive
• to counter this many animals engage in parental care