Question

Given below are four statements regarding external fertilization.

(i) The male and female gametes are formed and released simultaneously.
(ii) Only a few gametes are released into the medium.
(iii) Water is the medium of fertilization. It provides better chances of survival of gametes than internal fertilization.
(iv) Offspring which develop from external fertilization has better chances of survival than those developed from internal fertilization.

Which of the given statements are correct?

• A. (i), (ii) and (iii)
• B. (i), (iii) and (iv)
• C. (iii) and (iv)
• D. (i) and (iii)

Answer 1

The correct option is D (i) and (iii)

External fertilization is a strategy of fertilization in which a sperm cell unites with an egg cell in the open, rather than inside specialized organs within the bodies of the parents. In contrast, internal fertilization takes place inside the female after insemination through copulation.
In external fertilization, the male and female gametes are formed and released simultaneously in the external medium i.e. Water. The gametes released are carried by the water current and fuses with the desired gametes. It provides better chances of survival of gametes than internal fertilization.

So, the correct answer is option D.