Module 5 Lesson 5 - 1

For many life forms, existing as a haploid gamete is a major part of their life cycle. For example, moss gametes grow and divide to become free-living organisms before they produce a single cell that will fertilize another to become a new generation of moss. The drive to reproduce and survive has led to some very interesting strategies.

This lesson deals with the diversity among reproductive strategies for a range of organisms. You will gain an appreciation for various ways species balance their life cycles.

In this lesson, these focusing questions are examined:

• What are the advantages or disadvantages of various  reproductive strategies?
• Why do organisms vary their reproductive strategies?