Why is reproduction important?
Reproduction is a species' varying method of passing on traits and genes from one generation to the next, with fertile offspring. When offspring are fertile, they can reproduce as well and continue the cycle. Different organisms do this differently. The most common difference is Asexual and Sexual reproduction. Asexual is the process of reproduction without the help of a partner. This results in a clone of the organism that reproduced. Different types of Asexual reproduction include Binary Fission, Budding, Fragmentation, and Vegetative Propagation. Sexual reproduction, on the other hand, is the reproduction of organisms with the help of a partner. This creates an offspring that has mixed traits from both parents.
On a cellular level, reproduction between cells occurs in an organism while it is being developed. Cells reproduce in two ways: Mitosis and Meiosis. Mitosis is a more simple method of dividing where the DNA within the cell just replicates and isn't altered, creating a clone of that cell. It takes place in four steps, excluding interphase which is the time when the cell isn't reproducing. These steps include Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase. Generally, what's going on inside of the cell is the splitting of DNA and pulling of it to opposite sides where new membranes are formed. Meiosis is an extended process that results in cells with half the chromosomes. This allows for reproduction to take place and for traits to be mixed. It includes Prophase 1, Metaphase 1, Anaphase 1, and Telophase 1, just like Mitosis but further splits those with Prophase 2, Metaphase 2, Anaphase 2, and Telophase 2. This results in four cells with half the amount of chromosomes needed.
How does the Goblin Shark reproduce?
Little is known about the goblin shark's reproductive systems but it is assumed that it reproduces almost identically to most other sharks. Sharks fertilize the egg within the female body which is unique for a bony fish [4]. The male shark has a sex organ called "claspers" which transfers sperm into the female shark in order to fertilize eggs [4]. The embryo can spend up to two years developing inside the mother [4]. Sharks will sometimes give birth directly to baby sharks or release their eggs on the ocean bed [4]. Most knowledge of shark reproduction is still limited.