Sexual Reproduction Basics
Sexual reproduction requires two types of sex cells or gametes from males and females. Males produce sperm cells in their reproductive organs called testes through a process called spermatogenesis. They typically produce many sperm cells.
Females produce egg cells (ova) in their reproductive organs called ovaries through a process called oogenesis. Depending on the species, females may produce few or many eggs.
Both sperm and egg cells are haploid, meaning they contain half the normal number of chromosomes. This special characteristic allows them to combine during fertilization without doubling the species' chromosome count.
Quick Fact: The haploid nature of gametes is crucial for maintaining a consistent chromosome number in a species from generation to generation!
