The Reproductive system Sexual Reproduction Sexual reproduction does not necessarily involve copulation or physical contact between the two parents. What is does involve is that each offspring has two parents and a combination of genes from both. In sexual reproduction, the offspring are not genetically identical to their parents and usually not even to each other.
Genetic diversity provides the foundation for the survival and evolution of a species.
The Two Sexes To reproduce sexually means that the parents must produce gametes that can meet and combine their genes in a zygote. The gametes must provide motility and nutrition to make the combination successful. Genetically, any individual with a Y sex chromosome is classified as male and any individual lacking a Y chromosome is classified as female. In mammals, the female is also the parent that provides a sheltered internal environment for the development and prenatal nutrition of the embryo. The reproductive system consists of primary and secondary sex organs.