Key definitions
1. Asexual Reproduction
When a single parent produces offspring without the involvement
of gametes (sperms and eggs). Offspring are identical to the
parent.
2. Binary Fission
A type of asexual reproduction where a single-celled organism
splits into two equal halves. Example: Amoeba.
3. Budding
Asexual reproduction where a new organism grows as a small bud
on the parent’s body. Example: Hydra, yeast.
4. Eggs
Female reproductive cells (also called ova). They combine with
sperms during fertilisation.
5. Embryo
The early stage of development after a zygote divides repeatedly.
It later develops into a foetus.
6. External Fertilisation
Fertilisation that takes place outside the body of the female.
Example: frogs, fish.
7. Fertilisation
The process of fusion of sperm and egg to form a zygote.
8. Foetus
The stage of development in which the embryo has developed
body parts and begins to look like a young one.
9. Internal Fertilisation
Fertilisation that occurs inside the body of the female. Example:
humans, cows, dogs.
10. Metamorphosis
A drastic change in body form during development from young to
adult.
Example: caterpillar → butterfly; tadpole → frog.
11. Oviparous Animals
Animals that lay eggs. Example: birds, reptiles.
12. Sexual Reproduction
Reproduction involving two parents — male and female — and the
fusion of their gametes (sperm and egg).
13. Sperms
Male reproductive cells that fuse with eggs during fertilisation.
14. Viviparous Animals
Animals that give birth to live young ones. Example: humans,
cows, dogs.
15. Zygote
The cell formed after fertilisation of sperm and egg. It is the first
stage of a new organism.
Absolutely — here are the fully elaborated, exam-ready answers
for Questions 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
They are detailed enough for long answers but still clear for your
students.
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1. Explain the importance of reproduction in organisms.
Reproduction is a vital life process because it allows organisms to
produce new individuals of their own kind. Without reproduction, a
species would not be able to continue for future generations and
would eventually disappear. It helps in maintaining the balance of
life on Earth by replacing organisms that die due to age, disease,
or environmental changes. Reproduction also allows desirable
characteristics to pass from parents to offspring, helping the
species adapt and survive in changing conditions.
2. Describe the process of fertilisation in human beings.
In human beings, fertilisation is an internal process and takes
place inside the female reproductive system. During reproduction,
millions of sperms are released by the male into the female body.
These sperms travel through the uterus and reach the oviducts
(fallopian tubes). If an egg is present in the oviduct, one sperm
fuses with it.
The nuclei of the sperm and the egg join together, forming a
single cell called a zygote. This zygote begins to divide repeatedly
and later forms an embryo, which eventually develops into a
baby. Thus, fertilisation is the first step in the development of a
new human life.
3. Define asexual reproduction. Describe two methods of asexual
reproduction in animals.
Definition
Asexual reproduction is a mode of reproduction in which a single
parent produces offspring without the involvement of gametes
such as sperms and eggs. The offspring are genetically identical
to the parent.
Two Methods:
1. Binary Fission
In this method, the parent organism divides into two nearly equal
halves. Each half becomes a new organism.
Example: Amoeba and Paramecium.
During binary fission, the nucleus of the parent cell divides first,
followed by the division of the entire cell.
2. Budding
In budding, a small outgrowth called a “bud” forms on the parent
organism. This bud gradually grows and develops into a new
individual. When it becomes mature, it separates from the parent
and lives independently.
Example: Hydra and Yeast.
This method shows how new organisms can form even from a
small part of the parent’s body.
4. In which female reproductive organ does the embryo get
embedded?
After fertilisation, the zygote divides repeatedly and forms an
embryo. This embryo travels down into the uterus of the female.
The inner lining of the uterus is soft and rich in blood vessels. The
embryo gets embedded in this lining, which provides nourishment
and protection for its further development. This process is called
implantation.
5. What is metamorphosis? Give examples.
Metamorphosis is a biological process in which an organism
undergoes a major and sudden change in its body structure as it
grows from the young stage to the adult stage. The young one
looks completely different from the adult.
Examples:
Frog: A tadpole, which looks like a fish and has a tail, transforms
into an adult frog with legs and lungs.
Butterfly: A caterpillar changes into a pupa and later emerges as a
colourful butterfly.
Metamorphosis helps these animals adapt to different
environments during their life cycle.