Spawning
Spawning
Spawning (/ˈspɔːnɪŋ/) is a reproductive behavior characterized by the production and release of eggs and sperm into the environment by aquatic animals.
Etymology
The term "spawning" is derived from the Old Norse word spǫn, which means "to spawn".
Definition
Spawning typically involves fertilization of the eggs outside the body, a process known as external fertilization. This is in contrast to internal fertilization, which occurs inside the body and is common in terrestrial animals.
Related Terms
- Oviparity: The condition of being an egg-laying animal which spawns.
- Broadcast Spawning: A method of spawning where an organism releases its eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally.
- Roe: The fully ripe internal egg masses in the ovaries, or the released external egg masses of fish and certain marine animals.
- Milt: The seminal fluid of fish, mollusks, and certain other water-dwelling animals who reproduce by spraying this fluid, which contains the sperm, onto roe.
Process
During spawning, the female releases her eggs into the water, and the male releases his sperm. The sperm then fertilizes the eggs, leading to the development of embryos. The embryos eventually hatch into larvae, which grow into juvenile and then adult animals.
Species
Many species of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals reproduce through spawning. Some examples include salmon, cod, clams, and lobsters.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as temperature, day length, and nutrient availability can influence the timing of spawning. Many species spawn in response to specific environmental cues, such as changes in water temperature or the presence of a full moon.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spawning
- Wikipedia's article - Spawning
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