The living things that reproduce are called progenitors; the organisms that result from reproduction are

called descendents or offspring. They have the same characteristics as their progenitors.

TYPES OF REPRODUCTION
ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION: it involves only one organisms. Descendents develop directly from the body of the progenitor. They are identical to the progenitor: In unicellular organisms, the only cell divides into two new cells. In some simple invertebrates, the descendent forms slowly on the body of the progenitor, like a bud. Many plants can grow new plants from a root or a fragment of the stem. Other plants, like moss or ferns, produce cells called spores. Each spore grows and produces a descendent. SEXUAL REPRODUCTION: it involves two different organisms; one produces female reproductive cells and the other, male reproductive cells. The descendents share characteristics of both. Sexual reproduction has three phases: 1. The formation of reproductive cells. The progenitors have reproductive organs. The reproductive cells, or gametes, form inside these organs. Female reproductive organs produce female gametes; male reproductive organs produce male gametes. 2. Fertilization is the union of a male and female gamete. A single cell called a zygote is formed. 3. The development of the zygote. The descendent develops from the zygote. Its characteristics are a mixture of the two progenitors.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS
Animals have reproductive organs that can be male or female to reproduce. Most animals there are male individuals with male reproductive organs, and female individuals with female reproductive organs. In some animals, each individual is a hermaphrodite. This means they have both types of reproductive organs. PHASES OF SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN ANIMALS 1. PRODUCTION OF GAMETES Female reproductive organs, called ovaries, produce gametes called ovules. Male reproductive organs, called testicles, produce gametes called sperm.

2. FERTILISATION There are two types: External fertilization: the union of the ovules and sperm occurs outside the female reproductive organs. Internal fertilization: the union of the ovules and sperm occurs inside the female reproductive organs.

3. DEVELOPMENT OF THE ZYGOTE AND EMBRYO The zygote formed by fertilization forms an embryo. The embryo is the descendent in its first stages of development. The embryo can complete its development in two ways: Inside an egg (oviparous development). The embryo feeds on nutritious substances contained in the egg. It breathes through the shell. When its development is complete, it leaves the egg. This is called hatching. Inside the female reproductive system (viviparous development). The embryo takes food and oxygen from the body of the mother. When its development is complete, it leaves the inside of the mother. This is called birth.

THE FLOWER
In most plants the reproductive organ is the flower. A flower has four main parts: the pistil, the stamen, the calyx and the corolla. The PISTIL is the female part of the flower. It is shaped like a bottle. In its interior, called the ovary, are the ovules. The STAMENS are the male part of the flower. Pollen grains, which contain the male gametes, form the stamens. The CALYX. The lower part of the pistil is protected by small leaves called sepals. The sepals form the calyx. The COROLLA. The leaves around the stamens and pistil are called petals. They form the corolla.

REPRODUCTION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

Sexual reproduction in flowering plants involves three phases: 1. POLLINATION AND FERTILIZATION Pollination is the journey of the grains of pollen from the stamens of one plants flower to the pistil of another similar plants flower. Fertilization. When a grain of pollen reaches the pistil it introduces a fine tube into the pistil. The male gametes pass along this tube to the ovules. The union of the gametes, or fertilization produces a zygote, which forms the embryo. 2. FORMATION OF THE FRUIT AND THE SEED After fertilization, the flower loses its stamens and corolla and its pistil develops to form a fruit. Inside the fruit, the embryo is surrounded by a capsule, full of nutritious substances, called the seed. 3. THE GERMINATION OF THE SEEDS When a seed is buried underground and finds the correct humidity and temperature, it germinates. This means it breaks through its surrounding capsule and grows roots and little leaves. This is the new plant.