Introduction to Reproduction

Table of Contents

• Reproduction – Introduction
• Types of Reproduction
• Summary
• What’s Next?

In this segment of the chapter of ‘Reproduction in Animals’, let us get ourselves introduced to the

concept of reproduction and study its types.

What is Reproduction?

The process of producing individuals of the same kind is called Reproduction. It produces the same species every time. For example, mango tree gives rise to a mango tree while a cat gives birth to kittens.

Reproduction is a simple and efficient system in humans, animals, plants and lower unicellular organisms. It makes sure that species are perpetuated in nature even after we die. Thus, it helps in the continuation of species.

What are the types of Reproduction?

All the living organisms present on the Earth reproduce in different manners. There are two types of reproduction:

• Asexual Reproduction – The formation of new individuals from the cell or cells of a single parent is called Asexual reproduction. This type is followed by unicellular organisms. It is just one single cell that carries out all the activities including reproduction. In this type, no specialised cells called sex cells or gametes will be produced inside the body. The single cell will divide in two to form new cells called Daughter cells.
• Sexual Reproduction – The process in which male and female gametes fuse together to form a new individual is called Sexual reproduction. It is carried out by multi-cellular organisms. The body of these organisms has specialised cells called gametes which fuse to form the new individual.

Summary