Advantages of External Fertilization
External fertilization has certain advantages:
- High Productive Output: This is the primary advantage of external fertilization the species that use this method release a large number of gametes into the environment that the likelihood of fertilization. This compensates for the high mortality rate that is often due to predation, environmental hazards, and other factors.
- Genetic Diversity: This fertilization method promotes genetic diversity as the gametes of many different individuals mix in the environment and it will result in a wide range of genetic recombination. This is crucial for adaptation and also enables them to withstand environmental changes, disease outbreaks, and other threats
- Low Energy Expenditure: Compared to internal fertilization the organisms require less energy to produce the gametes as it does not need any complex mating rituals or internal egg development.
- Adaptation to Aquatic Life: This method of reproduction is well suited in aquatic environments as the water facilitates the dispersal of gametes, this is advantageous because the direct contact of the individuals might be limited in the vast environment. The aquatic environment also supports the development of eggs, larvae, and dispersal.
External Fertilization – An Overview
External fertilization occurs in fish, frogs, and certain invertebrates like sponges. External fertilization is the process of reproduction where the fusion of the male gamete and female gamete takes place outside the body in an external environment. This type of reproduction has various benefits as it has great biodiversity and the chances of survival are also higher. In this article, we will study the process of external fertilisation, examples, features and more.
Table of Content
- What is External Fertilization?
- Characteristics of External Fertilization
- External Fertilization Examples
- External Fertilization Process
- Advantages of External Fertilization
- Disadvantages of External Fertilization
- External Fertilization in Humans
- External Fertilization in Plants
- External Fertilization in Fish
- Difference Between Internal and External Fertilization