NEET Biology Notes Animal Reproduction day and Reproductive Health Animal Reproduction
Animal Reproduction
The branch of biology, which deals with the study of development of organisms is called Embryology. Aristotle is known as Father of Embryology, Von Baer as Father of Modern Embryology, while R Roux is known as Father of Experimental Embryology.
Human Reproduction
Humans are unisexual and viviparous, which give birth to young ones. The main characteristics of human reproduction are
- The reproductive events in humans is a multistep process which includes
- Formation of gametes (gametogenesis).
- Transfer of sperms into the female genital tract (insemination).
- Fusion of male and female gametes (fertilisation).
- Formation of zygote.
- Formation and development of blastocyst and its attachment to the uterine wall (implantation).
- Embryonic development (gestation).
- Delivery of the baby (parturition).
- Fertilisation in humans is internal.
- Foetus develops inside uterus.
- In uterus, foetus is nourished by placenta.
- Menstrual cycle is completed in 28 days and oestrus cycle remains absent.
- Infants feed on mother’s milk.
Puberty
The age of sexual maturity is called puberty. Accessory sex characters first appear in puberty. It occurs at the age of 10-14 years in girls and 13-15 years in boys.
Accessory Sex Organs
Humans exhibit sexual dimorphism, i.e. males are different from females in their secondary sexual features or accessory sex organs. Accessory sex organs are those organs, which form the gametes which are important in the process of reproduction.