CSEC Integrated Science
Section A – Unit III: Reproduction and Growth in Animals
1. Asexual Reproduction in Animals
Methods:
• Budding – new organism grows out of parent (e.g., hydra).
• Binary fission – parent splits into two equal halves (e.g., amoeba).
• Fragmentation – body breaks into fragments, each grows into a new organism (e.g.,
planaria, starfish).
• Parthenogenesis – development of egg into new organism without fertilisation (e.g.,
bees, some insects).
Linked to asexual reproduction in plants (budding).
2. Human Reproductive Systems
(a) Female Organs and Functions
• Ovary – produces eggs (ova) and female hormones.
• Oviduct (fallopian tube) – transports egg; site of fertilisation.
• Uterus – where embryo implants and develops.
• Cervix – narrow opening at base of uterus.
• Vagina – receives sperm, passage for birth.
(b) Male Organs and Functions
• Testes – produce sperm and testosterone.
• Scrotum – sac holding testes, regulates temperature.
• Epididymis – stores sperm.
• Vas deferens – carries sperm from testes.
• Seminal vesicle – produces fluid for sperm movement.
• Prostate gland – secretes alkaline fluid.
• Cowper’s gland – produces lubricating fluid.
• Urethra – passage for sperm and urine.
• Penis – delivers sperm into vagina.
Practical: Draw and label male and female reproductive systems.
3. The Menstrual Cycle
• Ovulation – release of egg from ovary (around day 14 of a 28-day cycle).
• Hormones:
o Oestrogen – thickens uterine lining.
o Progesterone – maintains lining for implantation.
• If no fertilisation → hormone levels drop, lining breaks down → menstruation.
• Menopause – permanent end of menstrual cycle, low oestrogen levels.
Graph required – hormone levels & changes in uterine lining during cycle.
4. Pregnancy
Stages:
1. Fertilisation – fusion of sperm and egg (zygote formed).
2. Implantation – zygote attaches to uterus lining.
3. Foetal development – placenta nourishes foetus.
4. Birth process:
o Cervix dilation.
o Contractions, crowning, expulsion of foetus.
o Expulsion of placenta.
Diagrams – simplified fertilisation, implantation, foetus in uterus.
5. Birth Control Methods
(a) Natural
• Rhythm, withdrawal, Billings method.
(b) Barrier
• Male/female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, IUDs.
(c) Hormonal
• Pills, injections, patch, implants.
(d) Surgical
• Vasectomy (male), tubal ligation/hysterectomy (female).
(e) Abstinence
• 100% effective.
Advantages/disadvantages expected in exam.
6. Pre-natal & Postnatal Care
• Nutrition – balanced diet needed for healthy mother/child.
• Avoid – drugs, alcohol, x-rays, infections.
• Breastfeeding – provides antibodies, bonding, nutrition.
• Immunisation – protects against diseases.
• Ultrasound – checks foetal health and growth.
7. Growth Patterns of Males & Females
• Puberty changes: females (breasts, menstruation), males (voice deepens, facial hair).
• Data analysis: Graphs of average height/weight vs age.
• Males generally taller/heavier after puberty.
Practical: Plot growth curves from sample data
8. Human Population Control
(a) Problems of Overpopulation
• Food shortages.
• Strain on natural and material resources.
• Lower quality of life.
(b) Teenage Pregnancy & Birth Control
• High teenage pregnancy → higher population growth.
• Birth control methods help manage population size.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Asexual Reproduction in Animals
Q1. Define budding and give one example in animals.
Q2. State two differences between binary fission and fragmentation.
Q3. Explain parthenogenesis and give one example.
Human Reproductive Systems
Q4. Draw and label the male reproductive system.
Q5. State one function of each: ovary, uterus, oviduct.
Q6. Why is the scrotum located outside the body cavity?
Menstrual Cycle
Q7. Define ovulation and state when it occurs in a 28-day cycle.
Q8. Compare the roles of oestrogen and progesterone.
Q9. What is menopause?
Pregnancy
Q10. Outline the stages from fertilisation to birth.
Q11. State two roles of the placenta.
Q12. Describe what happens during the expulsion of the placenta.
Birth Control
Q13. List two examples of:
(a) Natural methods
(b) Barrier methods
(c) Hormonal methods
Q14. State one advantage and one disadvantage of surgical birth control.
Pre-natal & Postnatal Care
Q15. Explain why pregnant women should avoid drugs and alcohol.
Q16. State two benefits of breastfeeding.
Q17. What is the role of ultrasound in pregnancy?
Growth Patterns
Q18. Describe one change in males and one change in females during puberty.
Q19. Explain why males are usually taller than females after puberty.
Q20. Draw a graph showing changes in average height for boys and girls from birth to 20
years.
Population Control
Q21. State two problems caused by overpopulation.
Q22. Explain how birth control methods can reduce population growth.
Q23. Discuss one effect of teenage pregnancy on population growth.