Unit 5: Comparative Reproduction

Meiosis

• A type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes in the parent cell by half and produces four gamete cells.

• A process that occurs only in somatic cells to produce identical daughter cells.

• A form of asexual reproduction that results in two identical offspring.

• A type of cell division that increases the number of chromosomes in the parent cell.

Natural Selection

• The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

• A theory that suggests all species are created in their current form.

• The idea that organisms can change their traits during their lifetime to adapt to their environment.

• A method of breeding plants and animals for desired traits.

Mitosis

• A process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells (cell division).

• A process of protein synthesis in the ribosomes.

• A phase of meiosis where homologous chromosomes separate.

• A method of asexual reproduction in bacteria.

Ovary

• A female reproductive organ in which ova or eggs are produced.

• A male reproductive organ that produces sperm.

• An organ responsible for hormone regulation in the body.

• A structure that supports fetal development during pregnancy.

Common Descent

• The scientific theory that all living organisms on Earth descended from a common ancestor.

• The belief that species evolve independently without any common origin.

• The idea that all living organisms are created separately and do not share any ancestry.

• The hypothesis that life on Earth originated from extraterrestrial sources.

Fertilization

• The process of fertilizing an egg, female animal, or plant, involving the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.

• A method of asexual reproduction in plants.

• The process of cell division in organisms.

• The stage of development where an embryo implants in the uterus.

Differentiation

• The process by which a cell becomes specialized in order to perform a specific function.

• The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

• The mechanism by which cells communicate with each other.

• The process of converting glucose into energy within a cell.

Gamete

• A mature haploid male or female germ cell that is able to unite with another of the opposite sex in sexual reproduction to form a zygote.

• A diploid cell that undergoes meiosis to produce gametes.

• A type of cell that is involved in asexual reproduction.

• A cell that can only divide by mitosis.

Gonad

• An organ that produces gametes; a testis or ovary.

• A type of hormone responsible for sexual development.

• A structure that stores sperm before ejaculation.

• A gland that secretes digestive enzymes.

Ovulation

• The release of an egg from one of a woman's ovaries.

• The process of fertilization of an egg by sperm.

• The shedding of the uterine lining during menstruation.

• The development of follicles in the ovaries.