In species that produce two morphologically distinct types of gametes , and in which each individual produces only one type , a female is any individual that produces the larger type of gamete -- called an ovum ( or egg ) -- and a male produces the smaller tadpole-like type -- called a sperm .
In species which produce two morphologically distinct types of gametes , and in which each individual produces only one type , a female is any individual which produces the larger type of gamete -- called an ovum ( or egg ) -- and a male produces the smaller type -- called a spermatozoon ( or sperm cell ) .