Sexual Reproduction

Asexual vs Sexual… Feature Asexual Sexual # of parents 1 2 # of offspring Many Few Variety of offspring None (genetically identical) Variety (genetically unique) Speed of reproduction (offspring development) Fast Slow Timing (frequency) Any time, once mature Only when a mate is available

Conjugation Bacterial cells grow a protein “bridge” between cells Share genetic info Creates a bit of diversity!

Hermaphrodite Having complete of partial or partial reproductive structures for both male and female sexes Produce eggs AND sperm Ex. Invertebrates such as worms and snails

Reproduction in Earthworms Are hermaphrodites but can’t self fertilize Exchange sperm cells with another worm Store these cells in special sac until eggs can be fertilized

Reproduction in Sponges Produce sperm and eggs at different times Release gametes into the water Carried by water movement to other sponges

External Fertilization Eggs and sperm fuse outside the body Aquatic environments Ex. fish, corals, sponges

Internal Fertilization Sperm and eggs join inside the female Terrestrial and aquatic organisms Ex. Sharks, whales, land mammals