PSL201Y1 Lecture 7: PSL201 Week 7 Reading Notes
Document Summary
In this chapter we examine the processes of reproduction, from copulation and fertilization through fetal growth to parturition and lactation. Also we explore what differentiates females from males and discover how these differences contribute to the reproductive process. So far, we have emphasized the concept of homeostasis, now we diverge from that concept; the reproductive systems primary function is not focused on survival of the individual but rather survival of the species. Reproduction in humans is sexual meaning that offspring are produced as a result of the mating of parents of different sexes. Each offspring inherits a unique combination of genes from both parents thus, develops its own unique set of characteristics (hallmark of sexual reproduction). In sexual reproduction, each parent produces cells called gametes, each of which contains a copy of half of that pare(cid:374)t"s ge(cid:374)eti(cid:272) (cid:373)aterial a(cid:374)d half the (cid:374)u(cid:373)(cid:271)er of chromosomes.
