Page 433 - Primary Six Notes

2. Sexual reproduction

This is the type of reproduction which involves joining

(fussing) of two reproductive cells, male and female gametes.

Fertilization

Human fertilization is the union of a human egg and sperm.

Fertilization causes the female gametes to develop a new indi-

vidual by introducing male reproductive material.

The result of this union is the production of a zygote cell, or

fertilized egg, which develops into a new individual or foetus.

In animals, the male reproductive cells (gametes) are called
sperms and are produced by the reproductive organs called

testes.

The female reproductive cells are called ova and are produced

by the ovaries.

Hermaphrodites

These are animals that have both male and female reproduc-

tive organs (testes and ovaries) e.g. earthworms and snails.