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Reproduction in Animals - Development of Embryo and Foetus

Grade 8CBSE

Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.

🔑Concepts

The process of reproduction begins with the fusion of a sperm and an ovum to form a single-celled structure called the ZygoteZygote.

The ZygoteZygote undergoes repeated cell division (mitosis) as it moves down the oviduct to form a ball of hundreds of cells known as the EmbryoEmbryo.

The EmbryoEmbryo travels to the uterus and gets embedded in its thick, vascular wall; this process is called ImplantationImplantation.

Once the EmbryoEmbryo is implanted, it continues to grow and develop specialized tissues and organs. This process is known as DifferentiationDifferentiation.

The stage of the embryo in which all the distinct body parts (such as hands, legs, head, eyes, and ears) can be identified is called the FoetusFoetus.

In humans, the period of development from fertilization to the birth of the baby is called the GestationGestation period, which lasts approximately 99 months or 280280 days.

Animals that give birth to young ones (like humans, cows, and dogs) are called ViviparousViviparous animals, whereas those that lay eggs are OviparousOviparous.

📐Formulae

Male Gamete (n)+Female Gamete (n)FertilizationZygote (2n)\text{Male Gamete (n)} + \text{Female Gamete (n)} \xrightarrow{\text{Fertilization}} \text{Zygote (2n)}

ZygoteDivisionEmbryoDevelopmentFoetusBirthInfant\text{Zygote} \xrightarrow{\text{Division}} \text{Embryo} \xrightarrow{\text{Development}} \text{Foetus} \xrightarrow{\text{Birth}} \text{Infant}

💡Examples

Problem 1:

Explain the transformation from a ZygoteZygote to an EmbryoEmbryo.

Solution:

The ZygoteZygote is a single cell formed by the fusion of nuclei. It begins to divide repeatedly into 2,4,8,16...2, 4, 8, 16... cells. These cells soon begin to form groups that develop into different tissues and organs of the body. This developing structure is termed an EmbryoEmbryo.

Explanation:

The change is primarily marked by a transition from a unicellular state to a multicellular state through the process of rapid cell division.

Problem 2:

Differentiate between an EmbryoEmbryo and a FoetusFoetus.

Solution:

An EmbryoEmbryo is the early stage of development where body parts are not yet identified. A FoetusFoetus is the later stage of development where all body parts can be clearly identified.

Explanation:

The primary distinction is the level of morphological DifferentiationDifferentiation and the visibility of limbs and organs.

Development of Embryo and Foetus - Revision Notes & Key Formulas | CBSE Class 8 Science