* External fertilization: In external fertilization, the sperm and eggs are released directly into the water or onto the ground. The sperm must then swim to reach the eggs, and the eggs must be fertilized before they die.
* Internal fertilization with external development: In internal fertilization with external development, the sperm fertilizes the eggs inside the female's body. However, the eggs are then laid outside the female's body, and the embryos develop outside of the female's body.
Indirect fertilization is in contrast to direct fertilization, in which the sperm is transferred to the female's genital tract, and the eggs are fertilized inside the female's body.
Advantages and disadvantages of indirect fertilization:
Advantages:
* Allows for the fertilization of a large number of eggs at once
* Can help to avoid competition between sperm from different males
* Can help to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases
Disadvantages:
* Can be less efficient than direct fertilization
* Can be risky for the eggs and embryos, as they are exposed to the environment
* Can be difficult to control the timing of fertilization