Difference between External Fertilization and Internal Fertilization
Internal fertilization vs. external fertilization is given below:
|
Aspect |
External Fertilization |
Internal Fertilization |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition |
Fertilization occurs outside the female’s body. |
Fertilization occurs inside the female’s body. |
|
Environment |
Occurs in the aquatic environment. |
Usually occurs in terrestrial animals and some aquatic species. |
|
Egg Protection |
The eggs are exposed to the environment, predators, and v ariable condition. |
The eggs are protected inside the female’s body by special organs. |
|
Sperm Transfer |
The sperms are released in the aquatic environment where they fertilize the egg. |
Sperms are transferred directly into the female reproductive tract through copulation. |
|
Gamete Quantity |
A large number of sperm and eggs are released to increase the chance of fertilization. |
Few eggs are produced and the quality of sperms varies among species. |
|
Zygote Development |
The development of the zygote takes place outside the parent body in the environment. |
The zygote is developed inside the female body . |
|
Parental Care |
No parental care is seen after the eggs are released. |
It is often associated with a high degree of parental care . |
|
Selective Mating |
Low chances of selective mating as a high number of gametes are produced. |
High chance of selecting the mate as the female can control fertilization to a certain extent. |
|
Examples |
Fishes and amphibians. |
Mammals, reptiles, birds, and some species of fishes and insects. |
Internal Fertilization
Internal fertilization is a reproduction process that occurs inside the body of the female organism. This type of fertilization is mostly seen in land animals, bony fishes, birds, reptiles, and mammals. For internal fertilization to take place the male sperm has to fuse with the female ovary in the female reproductive tract.
In this article, we will read about the process of internal fertilization, the types and examples of internal fertilization, the difference between internal and external fertilization, and the advantages and disadvantages of internal fertilization.
Table of Content
- What is Internal Fertilization?
- How does Internal Fertilization work?
- Types of Internal Fertilization
- Internal Fertilization Examples
- Difference between External Fertilization and Internal Fertilization
- Advantages of Internal Fertilization
- Disadvantages of Internal Fertilization