sexual reproduction
Two-parent offspring creation
Sexual reproduction is the biological process by which offspring are created through the combination of genetic material from two parents, typically involving specialized sex cells (sperm and egg).
This contrasts with asexual reproduction, where a single organism produces genetically identical copies of itself.
Sexual reproduction introduces genetic variation, which is why siblings differ from each other and their parents: Most animals rely on sexual reproduction.
Gamete-producing cell division
- gametesReproductive cells for fusion
- zygoteFirst embryonic cell
- chromosomesGene-bearing nuclear structures
- diploidTwo complete chromosome sets
haploid · recombination · crossing over · homologous · DNA · alleles · genetics · inheritance
Formation of an idea
- spermMale reproductive cell
- ovumFemale reproductive cell
- eggReproductive cell in shell
- pollinationFlower reproductive transfer
insemination · spermatogenesis · oogenesis · cross-fertilization · self-fertilization · blastocyst · implantation · embryo
One's biological descendants
- descendantPerson from earlier generations
- zygoteFirst embryonic cell
- embryoOrganism before birth
- fetusGestating offspring
infant · juvenile · brood · litter · clutch · spawn · fry · hatchling
Allelic variation within populations
- natural selectionDifferential reproductive success
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- speciationFormation of distinct species
- variationChange from a norm
mutation · gene pool · fitness · recombination · evolvability · outbreeding · inbreeding · hybrid vigor
Formation of early life
- germinationSeed's initial growth phase
- gametophyteHaploid reproductive generation
- seedlingRecently sprouted young plant
- floweringProducing reproductive structures
fruiting · sporulation · metamorphosis · larva · juvenile · adult · senescence · puberty
Seeking another's romantic favor
- copulationSexual joining of bodies
- pheromonesSpecies-specific chemical messengers
- displayPresentation for viewing
- pairingJoining two together
monogamy · polygamy · polyandry · polygyny · promiscuity · nuptial · bonding · attraction
meiosis
Gamete-producing cell division
- gametesReproductive cells for fusion
- zygoteFirst embryonic cell
- chromosomesGene-bearing nuclear structures
diploid · haploid · recombination · crossing over · homologous · DNA · alleles · genetics · inheritance · heredity
conception
Formation of an idea
pollination · insemination · spermatogenesis · oogenesis · cross-fertilization · self-fertilization · blastocyst · implantation · embryo · conjugation
progeny
One's biological descendants
- descendantPerson from earlier generations
- zygoteFirst embryonic cell
- embryoOrganism before birth
fetus · infant · juvenile · brood · litter · clutch · spawn · fry · hatchling · larva
genetic diversity
Allelic variation within populations
- natural selectionDifferential reproductive success
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- speciationFormation of distinct species
variation · mutation · gene pool · fitness · recombination · evolvability · outbreeding · inbreeding · hybrid vigor · heterosis
embryogenesis
Formation of early life
- germinationSeed's initial growth phase
- gametophyteHaploid reproductive generation
- seedlingRecently sprouted young plant
flowering · fruiting · sporulation · metamorphosis · larva · juvenile · adult · senescence · puberty · breeding season
courtship
Seeking another's romantic favor
- copulationSexual joining of bodies
- pheromonesSpecies-specific chemical messengers
- displayPresentation for viewing
pairing · monogamy · polygamy · polyandry · polygyny · promiscuity · nuptial · bonding · attraction · rituals
- reproductionbirth, baby, egg, sperm, pregnancy
- fungal traitsspores, hyphae, mycelium, gills, pores
- Orchid Propagationpropagation, keiki, division, cloning, tissue culture
- cnidarianssea anemone, corals, stony coral, moon jelly, jellyfish
- ascomycetescleistothecium, Penicillium, morel, truffle, ergot
- hybridizationhybridization, crossbreeding, interbreeding, cross-pollination, hybrid vigor
sexual reproductionasexual reproduction
Single-parent cloning process
cloning · parthenogenesis · binary fission · budding · fragmentation
sexual, pansexual, reproduce, reproduction, sexuality, bisexual, homosexual, reproduced, asexual