Sexual Reproduction Definition, Characteristics

Definition 

In sexual reproduction, there is formation of male and female gametes either by same individual or by different individuals of opposite sex. These gametes fuse to form a new cell called zygote, e.g., occurs in all flowering plants, humans, etc.

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Characteristics of Sexual Reproduction

1. With the help of gametes, it takes place.
2. It comes from both parents.
3. It’s a more time-consuming way to reproduce.
4. In sexual reproduction, variations occur.
5. It’s crucial for the progression of the species.
6. Higher organisms are more likely than prokaryotes to have it.

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Major Key Points

• The period of growth from birth up to the reproductive maturity in an organism is called as juvenile phase. In plants, this period of growth starting from seed germination up to initiation of flowering is called vegetative phase.

• The later phase, when the organisms start reproducing sexually, is called reproductive phase. The end of reproductive phase is marked by the onset of another phase called senescent phase which is the last phase in life cycle after which the organism dies.

• A few plants exhibit unusual flowering phenomenon; some of them such as bamboo species flower only once in their lifetime, generally after 50-100 years, produce large number of fruits and die. Another plant, Strobila Thes Kathiana (Neela Kurinji), flowers once in 12 years. 

• In non-primate mammals like cows, sheep, rats, deer's, dogs, tigers, etc., the cyclical changes during reproduction are called estrous cycle whereas in primates (monkeys, apes and humans) it is called as menstrual cycle.

• Many mammals exhibit such cycles only during favorable seasons in their reproductive phase and are called seasonal breeders. While those are reproductively active throughout their reproductive phase are called continuous breeders. 

Difference between Sexual Reproduction and Asexual reproduction

Q: What is sexual reproduction?

Sexual reproduction is a biological process through which offspring are produced by the combination of genetic material from two different parent organisms.

Q: What are the characteristics of sexual reproduction?

Sexual reproduction typically involves the fusion of specialized cells called gametes from two parent organisms, resulting in genetic variation among offspring. It requires the involvement of two individuals of the opposite sex, and offspring inherit a combination of genetic traits from both parents.

Q: How does sexual reproduction differ from asexual reproduction?

Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes from two different parents, resulting in genetic variation among offspring. In contrast, asexual reproduction involves the production of offspring from a single parent organism, without the fusion of gametes, and typically results in genetically identical offspring.

Q: What are the advantages of sexual reproduction?

Sexual reproduction promotes genetic diversity among offspring, which can enhance the population's ability to adapt to changing environments. It also allows for the removal of harmful genetic mutations through recombination and provides the opportunity for the expression of beneficial traits.

Q: What are the disadvantages of sexual reproduction?

Sexual reproduction requires the investment of time and energy in finding a mate and producing gametes. It also carries the risk of producing offspring with deleterious genetic combinations and can be less efficient in terms of population growth compared to asexual reproduction.

Q: What organisms undergo sexual reproduction?

Sexual reproduction is common among many eukaryotic organisms, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists. It is a fundamental process for the propagation and evolution of sexually reproducing species.