GAMETES

9/3/97

1. How do we develop from the size of a sperm and egg to our present size and shape?
2. We eat chicken eggs (a chicken gamete). In some cultures the gonads from sea urchins are regularly eaten. Have you ever tried to eat a sea urchin gonad? What does it taste like? How does it make you feel knowing you are eating gametes?
3. Why is there such a difference in the size of the egg and the sperm?
4. Who expends the most energy on reproduction, male or females? Calories? Life cycles? Behavior? Body plans?
5. In what way is the human body organized to facilitate reproduction and survival of our species? In sea urchins, the gonads can be up to 80% of the weight of the urchin during breeding season. Imagine what your own life would be like if that was true in humans as well. How would society be different?
6. Because we are more efficient organisms with internal fertilization and internal development, how has this allowed us to specialize in other ways?