The complete process of sexual reproduction typically involves the following steps:
Gamete production: Gametes are sex cells (sperm in males and eggs in females) that are produced by specialized cells called germ cells through a process called meiosis. In males, gametes are produced in the testes, while in females, gametes are produced in the ovaries.
Copulation: The act of sexual intercourse, during which the male's penis is inserted into the female's vagina, allowing the transfer of sperm from the male to the female reproductive system.
Fertilization: The fusion of a sperm and an egg to form a zygote. Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tube, where the egg is released from the ovary and travels to meet the sperm.
Implantation: The process by which the zygote attaches to the uterine wall and begins to develop into an embryo.
Embryonic development: The process by which the zygote develops into a multicellular organism, with various stages of development, including the blastula and gastrula stages.Gestation: The period of time during which the embryo develops into a fetus within the uterus.
Parturition: The act of giving birth, during which the fetus is expelled from the uterus and passes through the birth canal.
After birth, the offspring can grow and develop through various stages of life, eventually reaching sexual maturity and becoming capable of reproducing themselves.