Sexual Reproduction

Human Ovum and Sperm © Dennis Kunkel

Individual organisms come and go, but, to a certain extent, organisms transcend time through reproducing offspring.

In sexual reproduction, two individuals produce offspring that have genetic characteristics from both parents.

Sexual reproduction introduces new gene combinations in a population.

Reproduction is not a continuous activity and is subject to certain patterns and cycles. Oftentimes these patterns and cycles may be linked to environmental conditions which allow organisms to reproduce effectively.

Cycles and patterns allow organisms to manage the relative expenditure of energy for reproduction and maximize the chances of survival for the resulting offspring.