- Fish: Many fish species, including salmon, trout, and goldfish, use external fertilization. The female releases her eggs into the water, and the male releases his sperm over them. The eggs are then fertilized outside the body of the female.
- Amphibians: Frogs, toads, and salamanders are all amphibians that use external fertilization. The male and female amphibian will typically come together in a body of water, and the female will release her eggs into the water. The male will then release his sperm over the eggs, fertilizing them.
- Some invertebrates: Many invertebrates, such as sea urchins, starfish, and coral, also use external fertilization. The female releases her eggs into the water, and the male releases his sperm over them. The eggs are then fertilized outside the body of the female.
Plants that use external fertilization:
- Gymnosperms: Gymnosperms are a group of plants that includes conifers, such as pine trees, and cycads. Gymnosperms use external fertilization, with the male and female reproductive structures located on separate cones. The male cones release pollen, which is carried by the wind to the female cones. The pollen then fertilizes the eggs inside the female cones, producing seeds.
- Some angiosperms: A few angiosperms, such as water lilies and pondweeds, also use external fertilization. The male and female flowers of these plants are located on separate plants. The male flowers release pollen, which is carried by the wind or water to the female flowers. The pollen then fertilizes the eggs inside the female flowers, producing seeds.