Reproductive System – JSS1 Basic Science Lesson Note (Second Term)

Reproduction is the ability of living things to produce offspring like themselves. It is one of the characteristics of living things and it ensures the continuation of life.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define reproduction;
• explain asexual and sexual reproduction and give examples of asexual reproduction;
• name the male and female sex cells;
• state the location and function of the main male and female reproductive organs;
• list ways of caring for the male and female reproductive organs.

What are the types of reproduction?

There are two types of reproduction:

1. Asexual reproduction
2. Sexual reproduction

Asexual reproduction

This kind of reproduction involves a single parent to produce young ones. In asexual reproduction, the individual grows and splits into two, and this process continues. Examples are binary fission and vegetative reproduction (as in potato, cassava, yam, etc.).

Sexual reproduction

This is the kind of reproduction that involves two sexes. The male produces a sex cell and the female also produces one. It is the most common means of reproduction in animals but it is also found in plants.

What is the male reproductive system?

The male reproductive system is made up of organs found both outside and inside the body, such as the penis, scrotum and testes.

The male sex cell is called the sperm. It fuses with the female sex cell at fertilisation.

The table below shows the male reproductive organs, their location and their functions.

What is the female reproductive system?

The female reproductive system is made up of both external and internal organs that are used for reproductive processes. Examples are the ovary, vagina and fallopian tube.

The table below shows the female reproductive organs, their location and their functions.

How do we care for the reproductive organs?

Care of the female reproductive organs

1. Bathe at least twice daily.
2. Avoid taking illegal drugs.
3. Use clean toilets.
4. Wear clean and neat panties.
5. Visit the gynaecologist in case of any abnormalities.

Care of the male reproductive organs

1. Bathe daily.
2. Avoid tight underwear and clothing.
3. Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
4. Wear protective gear when playing contact sports.

Evaluation

1. What is reproduction?
2. Explain the two types of reproduction.
3. Name the male sex cell and the female sex cell.
4. State the function of the testes and the uterus.

Assignment

1. State two examples of asexual reproduction.
2. Write down the functions of the ovaries and the urethra.
3. List two ways of caring for the male reproductive organs and two ways of caring for the female reproductive organs.