What is the joining of male and female reproductive cells called?

• A. Fertilization
• B. Self-pollination
• C. Cross-pollination
• D. Trait

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is the fusion of male and female reproductive cells. This joining is called fertilization. In sexual reproduction, fertilization occurs when a male gamete (sperm) and a female gamete (egg) unite to form a zygote, starting a new organism. In plants, pollen carries the male gametes to the female ovule, and fertilization happens when the sperm from the pollen fuses with the egg inside the ovule, producing a zygote that develops into seeds. This distinguishes fertilization from pollination terms: self-pollination and cross-pollination describe the transfer of pollen, not the actual fusion of gametes. Trait refers to a heritable characteristic, not a reproductive event.