Sexual Reproduction

Production of offsprings by formation and fusion of special haploid cells called as gametes. These are contributed generally by two parent i.e. male gamete and female gamete is called as sexual reproduction.

Characteristics of sexual reproduction:

• It is generally bi-parental [i.e. it involves two parents](ii) It involves formation and fusion of gametes.
• Cell divisions are both meiotic & mitotic during gamete formation and mitotic during development of zygote into an offspring.
• The offsprings are not genetically identical to the parents.
• Fertilization in case of humans is internal.
• Infants can be fed on mother's milk.
• Parental care is very well developed.

Significance of sexual reproduction:

• It results in multiplication and perpetuation of species.
• It contributes to evolution of the species by introducing variation in a population much more rapidly than asexual reproduction.

Difference between asexual and sexual reproduction