Reproduction and life cycles

Living things reproduce

The number of living things increases as a result of their reproduction.

Reproduction: Producing new individuals of the same type, which ensures the survival of the species of living things.

The importance of reproduction for living things

• The number of living things increases as a result of reproduction.
• Reproduction ensures the survival of living things.

Methods of reproduction in living things

Living things reproduce in different ways, including:

• Some animals reproduce by giving birth; like cats.
• Some animals reproduce by laying eggs; like chickens.
• Most plants reproduce by seed.

Life cycles of living things

A living thing goes through different stages called the life cycle.

The life cycle: The different stages of growth of living things.

Stages of the life cycle of a living thing

• The life cycle of a living thing begins at the beginning of its life.
• The living thing grows and changes in size and shape.
• The living thing becomes fully grown and capable of reproducing new individuals.

The life cycle of an animal

Each animal has a life cycle that differs from other animals in its shape and size.

The life cycle of a bird

The life cycle of a bird begins with the egg.

The egg hatches into a small bird.

The bird grows and changes in size until it becomes a fully grown bird.

The bird becomes capable of reproduction and producing new individuals.

The life cycle of a butterfly

The butterfly goes through four stages in its life cycle, which are:

The egg.

The butterfly lays eggs on plant leaves.

The caterpillar.

The caterpillar emerges from the egg and feeds on plant leaves.

The chrysalis.

The caterpillar transforms into a butterfly that is preparing to emerge.

The butterfly is fully grown.

The life cycle of a horse

A female horse (mare) gives birth to a small (foal).

The foal grows, matures, and becomes capable of producing new individuals.

The life cycle of a seed plant

Seed plants are plants that reproduce seeds.

Seed plants have a life cycle called the life cycle of a seed plant.

Seed plants go through the following stages:

• The seed is placed in the soil, and the conditions for its growth are available.
• The seed turns into a sprout.
• The sprout grows and becomes a fully grown plant with the ability to produce new individuals.

The life cycle of a lemon

The lemon seed turns into a small sprout.

The sprout continues to grow until it becomes a fully grown plant.

The fully grown plant produces flowers.

The flowers turn into fruits.