Survival of Species Flashcards
Asexual Reproduction
A method of creating offspring from a single parent
In asexual reproduction, the offspring are genetically identical to the parent.
Cloaca
The single external opening of the reproductive, urinary and digestive systems
Although rare in mammals, the cloaca is a common body part in amphibians, reptiles and birds.
Cervix
The narrow opening connecting the uterus to the vagina
A human has one uterus and one cervix, but a koala has two of each.
Courtship Ritual
A behaviour used by an animal to attract a mate for reproduction
Dancing, singing, demonstrations of strength and gift-giving can all be examples of courtship rituals.
Epididymis
A narrow tube that stores and transports sperm cells from the testes
Immature sperm cells develop and become mature sperm cells while stored in the epididymis.
Fallopian Tube
A tube that transports ova from the ovary to the uterus
Humans have two fallopian tubes. Each one connects an ovary to the uterus.
Fertilisation
The joining of an ovum and a sperm cell
Internal fertilisation occurs inside the body while external fertilisation occurs outside the body.
Gamete
A sex cell containing half of a parent’s genetic information
Ova and sperm are two types of gametes.
Genetic Variation
Differences in features between individuals of the same species
Genetic variation can make some offspring better at surviving environmental changes.
Ovary
A reproductive organ that produces and releases ova
Human ovaries often alternate so that one egg is matured and released each month.
Ovum
(plural: ova)
A sex cell produced by the ovaries
Ova, or egg cells, are the largest human cells because they contain nutrients needed to develop offspring.
Penis
A reproductive organ that delivers sperm and removes urine from the body
The shape of the penis complements the shape of the vagina to assist with the delivery of sperm.
Population
A group of organisms of the same species living in the same place
Because they live in the same area, members of a population can mate with each other and reproduce.
Prostate Gland
An organ that produces fluid to help nourish sperm
The fluid from the prostate gland protects the genetic material in sperm. It helps them move faster and survive longer.
Reproduction
The process by which living things create offspring
Offspring are the same species as their parent or parents, and share their genetic information.
Reproductive Strategy
Any method that animals use to produce or raise offspring
Reproductive strategies include courtship rituals, methods of reproduction, fertilisation and development.
Seminal Vesicles
An organ that produces a sugar-rich liquid to help sperm travel
In humans, the two seminal vesicles produce about 80% of the fluid that transports sperm.
Sex Organ
A body part made of up tissues, which is needed for sexual reproduction
An ovary is a sex organ that produces the egg cells needed for sexual reproduction.
Sexual Reproduction
A method of creating offspring from two parents
In sexual reproduction, the offspring get half of their genetic material from each parent.
Species
A group of similar organisms that can breed with each other
There are many species of fish, but only fish of the same species can mate to create offspring.
Sperm
A sex cell produced by the testes
Sperm cells wriggle their tails to move and have mitochondria to supply them with energy.
Tetis (plural: testes)
A reproductive organ that produces sperm cells
Human testicles can produce about 1500 sperm cells every second!
Urethra
A tube that transports urine out of the body
In males, the urethra also transports sperm out of the body.
Uterus
An organ that houses and nourishes a fertilised egg as it develops
A human uterus starts the size of a pear and stretches as a baby develops.
Vagina
A tube of muscles connecting the cervix to the outside of the body
Although it opens outside the body, the vagina is an internal sex organ.
Vas Deferens
A tube that transports mature sperm to the penis
Also known as the sperm duct, the vas deferens is about 30 cm long in humans.
Zygote
An ovum fertilised with a sperm cell
A zygote splits into many cells as it develops to form an offspring.
