1. Genetic Material: Every living organism has a blueprint called DNA. This DNA holds all the information for building and operating an organism.
2. Gametes: Animals have special cells called gametes. In males, these are called sperm, and in females, they are called eggs. Each gamete contains half of the animal's DNA.
3. Fertilization: When a sperm cell and an egg cell meet, they fuse together. This process is called fertilization. The fertilized egg now contains the full set of DNA needed to create a new organism.
4. Development: The fertilized egg starts to divide and grow, forming a complex organism. This development is guided by the DNA instructions.
Evolution and Diversity
* Evolution: Over millions of years, changes in DNA (mutations) have occurred and been passed down through generations. These changes can lead to different traits, some of which are more advantageous for survival in certain environments. This process, known as natural selection, leads to the diversity of species we see today.
* Variation: Within each species, there's also variation. This is why no two animals are exactly alike. The variation arises from the shuffling of genes during sexual reproduction, creating unique combinations of traits.
Remember: Mother Nature doesn't have a conscious plan or intention. The processes of evolution and reproduction are natural, driven by biological mechanisms and chance events.