Reproduction is a process by which one organism produces offsprings.

It is one of the basic processes in

all known life forms. Every organism we see around us is a direct result of reproduction.

Reproduction in animals and plants takes place in two ways:

 Sexually

 Asexually

Let us have a detailed look at the different modes of reproduction.

Modes Of Reproduction

Depending on the number of parents involved, there are different modes of reproduction. Every living
organism reproduces by either of the two modes i.e. sexual reproduction or asexual reproduction.

The different modes of reproduction in animals and plants are explained below:

Sexual Reproduction

It is the mode of reproduction in which gamete cells from two organisms, one male and one female,
combine to form a singular zygote. This zygote shares half of its genetic information with the father and
the other half with the mother. Though the basics of it remain the same, there are many different
modes of sexual reproduction in both plants and animals. The newly formed individual produced by
sexual reproduction is different from parents, both genetically and physically.

Humans reproduce sexually by the fusion of sperm with the egg (ovum) to produce a zygote called
fertilization. Fertilization is the crucial stage of sexual reproduction. Without fertilization, sexual
reproduction will not be complete.

Also Read: Sexual Reproduction

Sexual Reproduction in Plants

Plants that reproduce sexually have sex parts which we know as flowers. The process of reproduction
involves the fusion of male gametes, namely, pollen with the female gamete, also known as ovules. This
fusion results in the formation of a zygote and an endosperm nucleus, which grow into seeds and fruits
respectively.

Sexual Reproduction in Animals

Among the different modes of reproduction in animals, sexual reproduction is the most common one.
Most animals reproduce sexually, though in a variety of different ways.

Sexual reproduction in animals involves the union of a haploid sperm and a haploid egg to form a diploid
zygote, which shares its DNA with both the parent cells.

Certain invertebrates, such as tapeworms and certain other parasites,  reproduce through the process of
self-fertilization in which they fertilize their eggs with their own sperm.

Sexual reproduction in animals may happen through internal fertilization (humans, dogs) or external

fertilization (certain reptiles and birds).