Question

Define external fertilization. Mention its disadvantages.

Answer 1

External fertilization is the process in which the fusion of male and female gamete takes place outside the female body in an external medium, generally water. For example, fish, frog, starfish etc. undergo external fertilization.

External fertilization has certain disadvantages. In external fertilization, eggs have fewer chances of fertilization. This can lead to the wastage of a large number of the eggs during this process. Further, there is an absence of proper parental care to the offspring, which results in a low rate of survival in the progress.