Internal fertilization, where sperm fertilizes an egg inside the female's body, offers significant advantages compared to external fertilization. These advantages primarily relate to increased protection and survival rates of the developing offspring.
Key Advantages of Internal Fertilization
Here's a breakdown of the benefits:
- Enhanced Protection: The fertilized egg is shielded from predators and harsh environmental conditions within the female's body.
- Higher Survival Rate: Because the developing embryo is protected, it has a greater chance of surviving to birth or hatching. The reference states that internal fertilization results in "higher chances of survival".
- Reduced Desiccation: Internal fertilization minimizes the risk of gametes (sperm and egg) drying out, which is a major concern in terrestrial environments. The reference explicitly mentions "lesser chance of desiccation of gametes".
- Targeted Fertilization: Sperm are deposited directly into the female reproductive tract, increasing the likelihood of successful fertilization.
In summary, internal fertilization offers a safer environment for the developing embryo, leading to a greater chance of survival and success, particularly in terrestrial environments.
