Advantages of Internal Fertilization
There are many advantages to internal fertilization which are the key to the survival and evolution of various species. The advantages are:
- Protection of gametes: The primary advantage of internal fertilization is that the gametes; sperm and eggs are protected from being destroyed by environmental factors like temperature, predators, and water currents.
- Reduced need for large amounts of gametes: Internal fertilization involves the direct transfer of sperm into the female and hence the need for large amounts of sperm is reduced.
- Selective breeding: The females have an opportunity to select mate and it leads to the production of stronger, healthier, or more genetically fit offspring.
- Enhanced survival of offspring: As the fertilization is internal the chances of the survival of the zygote are high as the female body is stable and nutrient-rich.
- Parental care: Species with internal fertilization exhibit parental care behavior by protecting the offspring from environmental changes and predators.
- Genetic diversity: Selective mating associated with internal fertilization leads to genetic recombination that contributes to genetic diversity and evolution.
Internal Fertilization
Internal fertilization is a reproduction process that occurs inside the body of the female organism. This type of fertilization is mostly seen in land animals, bony fishes, birds, reptiles, and mammals. For internal fertilization to take place the male sperm has to fuse with the female ovary in the female reproductive tract.
In this article, we will read about the process of internal fertilization, the types and examples of internal fertilization, the difference between internal and external fertilization, and the advantages and disadvantages of internal fertilization.
Table of Content
- What is Internal Fertilization?
- How does Internal Fertilization work?
- Types of Internal Fertilization
- Internal Fertilization Examples
- Difference between External Fertilization and Internal Fertilization
- Advantages of Internal Fertilization
- Disadvantages of Internal Fertilization