How Animals Reproduce?

Reproduction in animals happens in two ways i.e. sexual or asexual reproduction. Both processes have unique features. Sexual reproduction requires the fusion of male and female gametes whereas only one parent is involved in asexual reproduction. Animals reproduce so that their species can propagate and continue. Some examples of sexual reproduction are humans, flowering plants, etc. A few examples of asexual reproduction are hydras and amoebas.

What is Reproduction?

Reproduction is an essential aspect of life that ensures the survival of species on Earth. It is a process by which parents produce offspring that are biologically similar to them. Reproduction takes place in several forms. Animals usually reproduce by laying eggs or giving birth to a young one. Certain animals can lay eggs such as fish, birds, and reptiles. The egg hatches into a newborn baby. Mammals are among the other organisms that give birth to young ones directly.

Mammals include humans, dogs, and cats. The mother gives birth while carrying the infant inside her womb and the infant starts to develop independently after the birth. Understanding animal reproduction is interesting and important for understanding the diversity of life on Earth. The basic concepts of reproduction will all be covered in this article.

Modes of Reproduction

There are two types of reproduction depending on the number of parents involved

Sexual Reproduction

In sexual reproduction, two parents use specialized cells called gametes that fuse to give offspring. These gametes are sperm and egg which combine the genetic material of both parents to produce kids with unique features. As a result, the offspring have traits from both the parents.

Asexual Reproduction

Asexual reproduction does not involve the fusion of gametes to produce offspring. This approach lacks the genetic diversity associated with sexual reproduction but it has the advantages such as rapid reproduction

Embryo Development

The different stages in the development of an embryo are known as Embryo Development. After fertilization, a zygote is formed. The zygote undergoes mitotic division and forms 2, 4, 8 and 16-celled stages known as blastomeres. An embryo having 8-16 blastomeres is known as a Morula. The Morula divides mitotically and changes into blastocysts. The inner mass of the blastocyst converts into an embryo.

Sexual Reproduction in Animals

A few important topics and events from Sexual Reproduction in Animals

Reproductive organs

The male reproductive system consists of the penis, sperm ducts, and two testes. The organs that produce sperm are called the testes. The sperm has a head, middle part and a tail on the sperm. They are extremely small in size. The female reproductive system consists of the uterus, oviducts and two ovaries. Ovum or eggs are produced by the ovaries. The developing baby grows in the uterus. A mature egg is released into the oviduct once a month.

Fertilisation

Fertilisation is the process through which an egg and sperm fuse to form the zygote which is the earliest stage. It can happen inside the body or outside the body. Fertilisation marks the development of a new organism.

Viviparous and Oviparous Animals

Animals are classified into two categories i.e. viviparous or oviparous according to how they reproduce. Giving birth to a young one occurs in viviparous organisms. Animals that are identified as viviparous include mammals like humans. On the other hand, oviparous means laying eggs outside of the mother’s body from which their offspring hatch. Two well-known examples of oviparous organisms are birds and reptiles.

Asexual Reproduction in Animals

A few important topics and events from Asexual Reproduction in Animals:

Types of Asexual Reproduction

• Binary Fission: Binary fission is the division of a single-parent organism into two identical offspring. Bacteria and amoebas reproduce by binary fission.
• Budding: Budding is the process by which a new organism is developed from an outgrowth or bud from an existing organism. Hydra is a small aquatic organism which reproduces through budding.
• Regeneration: is the process by which some animals regrow lost body parts and in certain cases, these regenerated parts can develop into complete organisms. Planarians and starfish are among the organisms capable of regeneration.

Characteristics of Asexual Reproduction

Following are the characteristics of Asexual Reproduction:

• No formation of gametes
• The rapid growth of the offspring
• A single parent is involved
• Offsprings are exact copies of the parents’
• No variation in the offspring
• The whole process takes a very short time

Advantages and Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction

Asexual reproduction has benefits and drawbacks.

Advantages of Asexual Reproduction

• Asexual reproduction can take place in different environments.
• It allows the continuation of species
• Offspring matures very fast
• Less energy is consumed

Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction

• Negative mutations are also passed because offspring are exact copies of parents
• They have a short lifespan
• It doesn’t lead to diversity
• It is hard to control the population

In conclusion, both sexual and asexual types of reproduction are necessary for the survival or continuation of species. In sexual reproduction there is a fusion of genetic material and the birth of a unique offspring and asexual reproduction enables reproduction in favourable conditions. Both processes have their advantages and disadvantages but the end goal is the same i.e. continuation of species.

FAQs on How Animals Reproduce?

1. How do Animals Reproduce?

Animals can reproduce sexually as well as asexually. Sexual reproduction is via fusion of gametes and asexual reproduction requires only one parent.

2. Why do Animals Reproduce?

Animals reproduce for the continuation of their species. Therefore, reproduction is a process by which living organisms produce their offspring.

3. How do Animals Reproduce Asexually?

An organism can reproduce asexually in 4 ways: budding, regeneration, binary fission and parthenogenesis.

4. Do all Animals use Sperm and Ova to Reproduce?

No, all animals do not require sperm and ova to reproduce. Some animals also reproduce asexually which has the involvement of only a single parent.

5. What are the Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction?

There are many disadvantages of sexual reproduction such as no variation, short-lived, mutations are passed down to generations etc.