Question

How does fertilization differ from copulation?

Answer 1

Copulation is an act of mating. In zoology, it is sexual behavior in animals during which the male introduces sperms into the female’s reproductive tract. Other terms for this are ‘mating’ and ‘sexual intercourse’.

Complete answer:
In animals, fertilization is a process that cannot occur without the process of copulation.

Fertilization is the process of fusion of haploid male and female gametes which results in the development of new offspring. The haploid male gamete ‘sperm’ and female gamete ‘egg’ are specialized cells that fuse to form a diploid zygote.

Fertilization can occur both externally and internally depending upon the basis of the method of birth. External fertilization is characterized by the release of egg and sperm both in the external environment and the fertilization will take place outside the body of the organism. An example of this type of fertilization is spawning.

Internal fertilization is the union of gametes inside the female body. This type of fertilization protects the embryo from predators and the harsh environment. These results in higher survival rates of the embryo than can occur with external fertilization.

Note: Fertilization can occur inside or outside of the animal body and is necessary for the continuation of the species but the population is not necessary for the fertilization process. It is necessary only in the case of internal fertilization as it is required to transfer male gamete in the reproductive tract of the female where it can fuse with the female gametes or egg.