Biology

Grade 8

Human Reproduction – Part 2

Puberty
Fertilization
Pregnancy
Secondary Sexual Characteristics
 Secondary sexual characteristics
Males Females
Development of mammary glands/
Enlargement of penis breasts

Growth of pubic/armpit and

Growth of pubic/armpit and body
body hair (chest and facial as hair
well)
Deepening of voice Rounded hips
Increased muscle mass along
with growth spurt Growth spurt
Sexual intercourse, Fertilization and
Implantation
Fertilization is the
fusion of the male
and female gamete
nuclei to produce a
diploid zygote
 Q: When does fertilization occur?

A. Before sexual intrcourse.

B. During sexual intercourse.
C. Right at the end of intercourse.
D. Well after intercourse.
Pregnancy
1. State that in early development, the zygote forms an embryo
which is a ball of cells that implants into the wall of the uterus
- Sperm and ovum are haploid gametes.
- The fusion of the sperm and egg nuclei is called fertilization, leading to the formation of the zygote is one
diploid cell.
- After the first cell division (from 2 cell stage), it is referred to as the embryo till up to 2 months, after which it

is called the foetus (once the organs are developed).

2. Growth and development of embryo and foetus
3. State the functions of the umbilical cord, placenta, amniotic sac
and amniotic fluid
4. Describe the antenatal care of pregnant women, limited to special
dietary needs and the harm from smoking and alcohol consumption
• Antenatal/prenatal period: during pregnancy, before birth.
Antenatal diet Higher intake of iron to prevent anaemia,
and folic acid to ensure normal
development of foetal nervous system
Antenatal physical activity Avoid high level of physical exertion such
as repeated lifting of weights & stooping.
Mild physical work is acceptable.
Antenatal drug use Drinking: increased risk of miscarriage,
low birth weight,
deformed babies,
foetal brain damage (fetal
alcohol syndrome due to heavy

drinking)
Smoking: increased risk of miscarriage,
low birth weight.