sexual reproduction: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency (specialised term)Academic / Scientific / Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “sexual reproduction” mean?
The biological process by which two parent organisms combine genetic material to produce offspring that are genetically different from both parents, typically involving the fusion of male and female gametes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The biological process by which two parent organisms combine genetic material to produce offspring that are genetically different from both parents, typically involving the fusion of male and female gametes.
In broader discussions, it can refer metaphorically to any creative or productive process requiring input from two distinct sources or perspectives. In computing, it can analogously describe genetic algorithms where solutions are generated by combining parts from two parent solutions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms follows regional norms (e.g., 'fertilisation' vs. 'fertilization').
Connotations
Identical. Purely technical/scientific.
Frequency
Equal frequency in relevant academic/educational contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “sexual reproduction” in a Sentence
The [organism] reproduces via sexual reproduction.Sexual reproduction involves/requires [process/gametes].[Advantage/Disadvantage] of sexual reproduction is...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sexual reproduction” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The species reproduces sexually.
- Organisms that sexually reproduce show greater diversity.
American English
- The species reproduces sexually.
- Organisms that sexually reproduce show greater diversity.
adverb
British English
- The population reproduces predominantly sexually.
- It can reproduce both sexually and asexually.
American English
- The population reproduces predominantly sexually.
- It can reproduce both sexually and asexually.
adjective
British English
- The sexual reproductive cycle is complex.
- They studied sexual reproductive behaviours.
American English
- The sexual reproductive cycle is complex.
- They studied sexual reproductive behaviors.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in biotech or agricultural contexts discussing breeding strategies.
Academic
Core term in biology, life sciences, genetics, and evolutionary theory. Used in textbooks, research papers, and lectures.
Everyday
Limited to educational discussions, documentaries, or explaining family concepts. Often replaced with simpler terms like 'how babies are made'.
Technical
Precise, standard term in all biological sciences, horticulture, animal husbandry, and medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sexual reproduction”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sexual reproduction”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sexual reproduction”
- Misspelling as 'sexual reproduction' (missing an 'r').
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The cells sexual reproduced' instead of 'reproduced sexually').
- Confusing it with 'sexual intercourse', which is one specific act within the broader process.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Sex' often refers to the act of intercourse or biological sex (male/female). 'Sexual reproduction' is the specific biological process of creating offspring via the fusion of gametes, which may or may not involve physical intercourse (e.g., in fish, it is external).
It is crucial for generating genetic variation within a population. This variation provides the raw material for natural selection, helping species adapt to changing environments and resist diseases.
Many plants are capable of both sexual reproduction (via flowers, seeds) and asexual reproduction (e.g., runners, tubers). Some, like certain cultivated bananas, primarily reproduce asexually.
Yes, some protists and fungi have complex sexual reproduction cycles. For example, yeast can reproduce both asexually (budding) and sexually under stress, forming spores.
The biological process by which two parent organisms combine genetic material to produce offspring that are genetically different from both parents, typically involving the fusion of male and female gametes.
Sexual reproduction is usually academic / scientific / technical / formal in register.
Sexual reproduction: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsekʃuəl ˌriːprəˈdʌkʃn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsekʃuəl ˌriːprəˈdʌkʃn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The birds and the bees (as a euphemistic explanation for sexual reproduction)”
- “The miracle of life (often referencing the outcome of sexual reproduction)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SEXual reproduction' needs two SEXes to mix their genes.
Conceptual Metaphor
COLLABORATIVE CREATION (two contributors combine resources to make a new, unique product). BLENDING (like mixing two colours to get a third).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key feature of sexual reproduction?