User:Krsmith09/Internal fertilization

Internal fertilization, unlike its counterpart, external fertilization, brings more control to the female with reproduction.

Advantages from Internal Fertilization
Internal fertilization allows for:


 * Female mate choice, which gives the female the ability to choose her partner before and after mating. The female cannot do this with external fertilization because she may have limited control of who is fertilizing her eggs, and when they are being fertilized.
 * Making a decision for the conditions of reproduction, like location and time. In external fertilization a female can only choose the time in which she releases her eggs, but not when they are fertilized. This is similar, in ways, to cryptic female choice.
 * Egg protection on dry land. While oviparous animals either have a jelly like ovum or a hard shell, internally fertilizing animals grow their eggs and offspring inside themselves. This offers protection from predators and from dehydration. This allows for a higher chance of survival when there is a regulated temperature and protected area within the mother.

Disadvantages to Internal Fertilization

 * Gestation can and will add additional risks for the mother. The additional risks from gestation come from extra energy demands.
 * Along with internal fertilization comes sexual reproduction, in most cases. Sexual reproduction comes with some risks as well. The risks with sexual reproduction are with the intercourse, it is infrequent and only works well during peak fertility.