reproduction

biological process by which living organism produce offspring. Ensures the continuation of a species from one generation to the next.

• asexual reproduction • sexual reproduction

• involves only one parent and produces offspring that are usually genetically identical to the parent (clone) • without the involvement of sex cells (gamets)

• involves two parents and the combination of female and male gamets, resulting in offspring that are genetically different

• survival of species • genetic diversity (in sexual reproduction) • population growth • inheritance of traits

without reproduction, a species would eventually die out

this helps species adapt to changes in their enviroment and resist diseases

allows the population of organisms to increase and spread

It passes genetic information from parents to offspring

• cuttings • runners • tubers (bulbs)

a piece of plant grows into a new plant (e.g rose geranium)

stems grow along the ground and form new plants (e.g strawberry)

underground storage organs that grow into new plants (e.g potato)

• budding • regeneration • parthenogenesis

• a small new organism grows on the parent and breaks off (e.g hydra)

some animals can grow new individuals from body parts (e.g starfish)

females produce offspring from unfertilised eggs (e.g some intects, reptiles)

sperm ovum (egg)

male gamete, produced in the testes

female gamete, produced in the ovaries

internal fertilisation external fertilisation

• fertilisation inside the body (humans, retiles, birds) • usually produces fewer offspring, but with higher survival chnaces

• fertilisation outside the body often in water (fish, frogs) • produces many offspring, lower survival chances due to predators and enviromental risks

• fast • no mate needed • produces many offspring quickly