Compare asexual and sexual reproduction across living things, and get an overview of the human reproductive system.
Asexual reproduction involves a single parent, producing offspring genetically identical to that parent — no fusion of sex cells is involved.
Amoeba reproduces by splitting into two identical cells. What is this process called?
Binary fission
A small bulb-like growth forms on the side of a budding yeast cell and eventually separates. What is this process called?
Budding
Sexual reproduction involves two parents, each contributing a sex cell (gamete). Their fusion creates offspring with a genetic mix of both parents — increasing variation.
What is the fertilized cell formed when a sperm and an egg fuse called?
A zygote
In humans, the male system produces sperm and the female system produces eggs; fertilization and development occur inside the female body.
Where does a human egg cell normally get fertilized?
In the fallopian tube (oviduct)
In which organ does the fertilized egg implant and develop into a baby?
The uterus
1. Does asexual reproduction need one parent or two?
2. Are offspring from asexual reproduction genetically identical to the parent, or genetically varied?
3. What is the name for the male and female sex cells that fuse during sexual reproduction?
4. Name the organ where a human embryo develops.
5. Why does sexual reproduction generally produce more genetic variation than asexual reproduction?