Sexual reproduction

How it is used

Contrasted with asexual reproduction, in which one parent produces genetically identical offspring, for example by budding or binary fission. Sexual reproduction involves meiosis and fertilization and increases genetic variation. Many plants and fungi can reproduce both ways.

Example sentences

1. Sexual reproduction produces offspring that differ from both parents.

2. Aphids switch between asexual and sexual reproduction depending on the season.

Common collocations

• asexual reproduction
• reproduce sexually
• reproductive success
• reproductive organs

Related terms

• gameteA reproductive cell, such as a sperm or egg cell, that carries half the normal number of chromosomes. Two gametes join during fertilization to form a zygote.
• meiosisA type of cell division that produces four cells, each with half the usual number of chromosomes. It makes the sex cells (gametes) and creates genetic variety.
• offspringThe young produced by an animal or plant; its children. The same word is used for one young or for many.
• pollinationThe transfer of pollen from the male part of a flower (the anther) to the female part (the stigma), which allows fertilization and seed production in flowering plants.

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