Human and Animal Reproduction

• How do animals reproduce compared to bacteria?

  Animals are sexual reproducers, bacteria asexual
• What are genetically identical offspring produced by asexual reproduction called?

  Clones
• What is the only source of genetic variation in asexual reproduction?

  Mutations
• What is a key advantage of asexual reproduction?

  It requires only one parent
• Why do sexually reproducing organisms tend to have longer-term success in changing environments?

  Due to genetic variation from reproduction
• What type of offspring does sexual reproduction produce?

  Genetically unique offspring
• How many parents are required for sexual reproduction?

  Two parents
• What process produces gametes in sexual reproduction?

  Meiosis
• How many haploid cells does meiosis produce?

  Four haploid cells
• What is the significance of meiosis in terms of genetic uniqueness?

  It produces genetically unique cells
• How does fertilization contribute to genetic variation in offspring?

  It combines unique gametes from parents
• What are the male and female gametes in humans?

  Male sperm and female ovum
• What is a key difference between male and female gametes?

  Male gametes are motile, female are sessile
• Why do female gametes have more food reserves than male gametes?

  To support embryo development
• What is the function of the testes?

  Sperm production
• What is the role of the epididymis?

  Sperm maturation and storage
• What is another name for the sperm duct?

  Vas deferens
• What happens during ejaculation?

  Sperm travels through the sperm duct
• Why does the sperm duct have a looped orientation?

  To navigate around the urinary bladder
• What does the prostate gland produce?

  Fluid high in carbohydrates
• What is the function of the seminal vesicle?

  Produces alkaline fluid for semen
• What is the role of the scrotum?

  Holds testes outside the body
• Why do testes need to be at a lower temperature?

  For optimal sperm production
• What is the muscular canal that leads to the uterus?

  Vagina
• What is the function of the cervix?

  Protects fetus and dilates during childbirth
• What is the endometrium?

  Highly vascular tissue lining the uterus
• What is the role of the ovaries?

  Site of egg production and hormone secretion
• What are the key differences between male and female gametes?

  • Male gametes (sperm):
  • Motile
  • Smaller
  • Many in number
  • Few food reserves
  • Female gametes (ovum):
  • Sessile
  • Larger
  • Few in number
  • Large food reserves (yolk)
• What are the structures and functions of the male reproductive anatomy?

  • Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone
  • Epididymis: Site of sperm maturation and storage
  • Sperm duct (vas deferens): Carries sperm during ejaculation
  • Prostate gland: Produces fluid high in carbohydrates
  • Seminal vesicle: Produces alkaline fluid for semen
  • Scrotum: Holds testes outside the body for temperature regulation
• What are the structures and functions of the female reproductive anatomy?

  • Labia: Protect inner genitalia
  • Vagina: Muscular wall, site of ejaculation and birth canal
  • Cervix: Protects fetus, dilates during childbirth
  • Uterus: Site of fetal development, muscular contractions during childbirth
  • Ovaries: Site of egg production and hormone secretion
• What is the process of fertilization in sexual reproduction?

  1. Male and female gametes fuse
  2. Creates genetically unique zygote
  3. Involves genetic variation from both parents
• What is the significance of meiosis in sexual reproduction?

  • Produces gametes
  • Creates genetic diversity
  • Results in four genetically unique haploid cells
• How do the male and female reproductive systems interact during reproduction?

  • Male gametes (sperm) travel through the sperm duct
  • Sperm is deposited in the vagina
  • Female gametes (ovum) are fertilized in the reproductive tract
• What is the function of the cervix during pregnancy?

  Protects the fetus
• What happens to the cervix during childbirth?

  It dilates to about 10 cm
• What size is the typical cervix opening?

  About 1 cm
• What is the purpose of the mucus plug in the cervix?

  Prevents pathogens from entering
• What is the uterus's role during childbirth?

  Contracts to squeeze the baby out
• What do ovaries produce?

  Eggs and hormones
• What are the UCTs also known as?

  Fallopian tubes