External fertilization
External fertilization
External fertilization is a mode of reproduction in which a male organism's sperm fertilizes a female organism's egg outside of the female's body. It is contrasted with internal fertilization, where fertilization occurs inside the female's body.
Pronunciation
External fertilization: /ɪkˈstɜːrnl ˌfɜːrtɪlaɪˈzeɪʃn/
Etymology
The term "external fertilization" is derived from the Latin "externus" meaning "outside" and the Latin "fertilis" meaning "fruitful" or "productive". The term "fertilization" comes from the Latin "fertilis" and the suffix "-ization" which denotes an action or process.
Process
In external fertilization, the female releases her eggs into the environment, often in large numbers. The male then releases his sperm in the vicinity of the eggs. The sperm must then find and penetrate an egg in order for fertilization to occur. This process is common in many aquatic species, such as fish and amphibians, where both eggs and sperm can be dispersed and mixed by the water.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The main advantage of external fertilization is that it allows for a large number of offspring to be produced at once. However, it also has several disadvantages. The eggs and sperm are exposed to the environment and are therefore vulnerable to predation, disease, and unfavorable environmental conditions. Furthermore, the chances of any one sperm fertilizing an egg are relatively low due to the dilution effect of the water.
Related Terms
- Oviparity: The condition of being an egg-laying animal.
- Spawn (biology): The process of releasing or depositing eggs.
- Aquatic animal: An animal, either vertebrate or invertebrate, which lives in water for most or all of its life.
- Gamete: A mature sexual reproductive cell, as a sperm or egg, that unites with another cell to form a new organism.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on External fertilization
- Wikipedia's article - External fertilization
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