What is free spawning and how does it work?

Free spawning is a type of reproduction in which aquatic animals release their eggs and sperm into the water, where fertilization takes place externally. This is in contrast to internal fertilization, in which the male fertilizes the eggs inside the female's body.

Free spawning is common in many species of fish, invertebrates, and amphibians. The process typically begins with the female releasing her eggs into the water. The eggs may be released in a single mass or in smaller batches. Once the eggs are released, the male releases his sperm into the water. The sperm will then swim to the eggs and fertilize them.

Fertilization in free spawners is a matter of chance. The eggs must come into contact with the sperm in order to be fertilized. This means that a large number of eggs must be released in order to ensure that some of them will be fertilized.

Once the eggs are fertilized, they will develop into embryos. The embryos will then hatch into larvae. The larvae will grow and develop until they reach adulthood.

Free spawning is a simple and effective way for aquatic animals to reproduce. It allows for a large number of eggs to be fertilized, and it does not require any specialized structures or behaviors.