Question

What is sexual reproduction in humans?

Answer 1

Hint: Reproduction is defined as the biological process that leads to the development of new individuals or offspring from parents that have similar characteristics as their parents. Thus it can be said to be the fundamental feature of life.

Complete answer:
Reproduction can be broadly categorized into sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction is the type of reproduction where there is involvement of gametes that possess half the number of chromosomes as compared to their parents. When these two gametes fuse it results in the production of the zygote that gives rise to the new individual. Asexual reproduction is the type of reproduction which do not require involvement of gametes, it does not involve two organisms and gives rise to offspring which are identical to their parents. Sexual reproduction in humans takes place by the interaction of the male and female reproductive systems that causes fertilization of the female ovum by the male sperm. The sperm and ovum are the said gametes and each comprises 23 chromosomes which is half of the total human chromosome. The sperm is released into the female vaginal canal during intercourse from which it travels to the female fallopian tube where the released ovum from the ovary is also present whereby fertilization takes place. Following fertilization a gestation period of nine months is required after which the childbirth takes place.

Note: The method described above is the natural way of sexual reproduction in humans although nowadays several alternate methods have been developed such as artificial insemination where the sperm is introduced into the female reproductive system without intercourse and in vitro fertilization where female ovum and male sperm are incubated outside the body.