reproduktio

Reproduktio, the Estonian term for reproduction, is the biological process by which organisms give rise to offspring, ensuring the continuation of a species. It involves the transfer and expression of genetic material and is accompanied by developmental processes that transform a zygote into a new individual. Reproduktsioon can occur across the tree of life in diverse patterns but generally aims to pass on genetic information to the next generation and to maintain population numbers in a given environment.

Two broad modes exist: sexual reproduction, which combines genetic material from two parents through gametes, and asexual reproduction, where offspring arise from a single organism without the fusion of gametes. Sexual reproduction increases genetic diversity via meiosis and fertilization. Asexual reproduction yields genetically similar or identical offspring and can occur by binary fission, budding, fragmentation, or vegetative propagation in plants and some animals.

Sexual reproduction in animals typically involves gametogenesis (spermatogenesis and oogenesis), mechanisms for gamete transfer (internal or external fertilization), fertilization, and embryonic development. In mammals, pregnancy and parturition complete the cycle, with hormonal signals coordinating reproduction and parental care. Plants reproduce sexually through flowers; pollination transfers pollen to pistils, fertilization forms seeds, and fruit disperses them. Many species also alternate between haploid and diploid generations in their life cycles.

Reproduktive strategies are shaped by ecology and evolution, influencing mating systems, parental investment, and life-history traits. Infertility, contraception, and assisted reproductive technologies address limitations of natural reproduction in humans.