IB Biology D3.1 Notes

Reproduction

In Topic D3.1, you learn about reproduction. Remember that this is the production of offspring by parents and that this can occur in two ways:

1. Asexual reproduction - a parent organism independently produces genetically identical offspring. This can only occur when the parent is adapted to the environment, or the offspring will not survive.
2. Sexual reproduction - two parent organisms produces gametes and bring them together during fertilization. This produces offspring with genetic variation as they need adaptation to a changing environment.

Within sexual reproduction, males and females have different reproductive strategies:

1. Males are involved in physical or sperm competition with one another to have the chance to reproduce with a female.
2. Females are thus in a position of power and strategize to obtain resources from males or the best male genes for their offspring.