Question

Differentiate between internal fertilization and external fertilization.

Answer 1

Fertilization is the fusion of male and female gametes to give rise to an offspring and initiate its development. The fertilization is also termed as fecundation, insemination, pollination, syngamy, generative fertilization and impregnation. The fertilization of male and female gamete occurs by sexual mode of reproduction.

Complete answer:

Internal fertilization	External fertilization
In this type of fertilization, the fusion of gametes occurs within the female body.	In this type of fertilization, fusion of gametes occurs outside the body of the female.
Gametes are deposited inside the body of the female	Gametes are released outside the body of a female in an external environment.
Male gametes are released into the female reproductive tract for the fusion of both the gametes.	Both the gametes of males and females are released in the external environment for the fusion.
Development of the embryo takes place inside the body of the female.	Development of the embryo occurs outside the body of the female, in the external environment.
This type of offspring have high chances of survival.	In this type, the chances of survival are low.
The success rate of the fertilization is high.	The success of fertilization is low.
This type of fertilization requires more energy in finding a mate.	This type of fertilization requires less energy in finding a mate.
Examples- Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, etc.	Examples- Fish, Amphibians, etc.

Note: In internal fertilization the female contributes most but in external fertilization there is lack of parental care due to which the survival chances are less. The offspring number is low in the internal fertilization.