Reproduction in Animals

Key Stage 2

Reproduction in animals is when one or two animals produce offspring.

Most animals need two adults to produce offspring. This is called 'sexual' reproduction.

Some animals can reproduce on their own. This is called 'a-sexual' reproduction.

Sexual reproduction is when two adults are needed to create one or more offspring.

In sexual reproduction of animals two adult animals will mate.


When amphibians mate the female lays eggs and the male gives out sperm to fertilise the eggs.	When birds mate the male puts sperm inside the female and then the female lays eggs afterwards.	When fish mate the female lays eggs and the male gives out sperm to fertilise the eggs.

When some insects mate the male puts sperm inside the female and then the female lays eggs afterwards.	When mammals mate the male puts sperm inside the female and then the female becomes pregnant. She then gives birth to the offspring.	When reptiles mate the male puts sperm inside the female and then the female lays eggs afterwards.