Sexual reproduction
From RationalWiki
Sexual reproduction is when two different critters of approximately the same species each contribute roughly half of their genetic information in the form of gametes, which are then combined to be the genetic information of their offspring, in an embryo or seed of some sort. Closely related speciess, such as wolves and dogs, or horses and donkeys, are capable of interbreeding, although the offspring are generally sterile.
Contrast this process with "division", in the case of most single celled organisms; budding, and some forms of self-cloning (vegetative reproduction) practiced by many plants.
Sexual reproduction, although a simple biological concept, is swaddled in fear and loathing by many odd subsets of the human race.
Parthenogenesis is the production of offspring by the female of the species without (male) fertilization of the ovum. Some insects and, rarely, reptiles or amphibians have been known to use this method of reproduction. Eventually, of course, humanity will achieve this and be able to dispense with the male sex.
"Birds do it, bees do it, in Boston even beans do it..."
Whaaa?
[edit] Asexual reproduction
The opposite of sexual reproduction is asexual reproduction, which is reproduction without sexual intercourse.
Can someone tell me who first suggested the idea of reproduction without sex?
"Um, your wife?" - David Lightman (Matthew Broderick), in WarGames.
