Consider the following statements regarding external fertilisation: 1. It is the primary mode of reproduction in terrestrial mammals like cows and humans. 2. The female lays eggs inside the water, and the male deposits sperms over them. 3. The eggs are held together by a layer of jelly that provides protection. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation Fertilisation is the fusion of sperm and egg. Based on where this fusion takes place, it is classified into two types: internal fertilisation (inside the female body) and external fertilisation (outside the female body). External fertilisation is most common in aquatic animals. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Terrestrial mammals, such as cows, dogs, and humans, undergo internal fertilisation. In this process, the fusion of the egg and sperm occurs inside the body of the female. External fertilisation is characteristic of aquatic animals like fish and amphibians (e.g., frogs), not terrestrial mammals. - Statement 2 is Correct. In external fertilisation, the female releases eggs into a fluid medium (usually water), and the male deposits sperms over them. This ensures that the gametes meet in the external environment. For example, during the rainy season, frogs move to ponds where the female lays hundreds of eggs in the water. - Statement 3 is Correct. Unlike the eggs of birds or reptiles which are covered by a hard shell, the eggs of animals undergoing external fertilisation (like frogs) are delicate. A layer of jelly holds the eggs together and provides protection to the eggs while they float in the water. Key Takeaway External fertilisation involves the fusion of gametes outside the female body, typically in water, and is common in aquatic organisms like fish and amphibians, whereas terrestrial mammals utilize internal fertilisation.

NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 3: Reproduction in animals

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Consider the following statements regarding external fertilisation:

It is the primary mode of reproduction in terrestrial mammals like cows and humans.
The female lays eggs inside the water, and the male deposits sperms over them.
The eggs are held together by a layer of jelly that provides protection.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Fertilisation is the fusion of sperm and egg. Based on where this fusion takes place, it is classified into two types: internal fertilisation (inside the female body) and external fertilisation (outside the female body). External fertilisation is most common in aquatic animals.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Terrestrial mammals, such as cows, dogs, and humans, undergo internal fertilisation. In this process, the fusion of the egg and sperm occurs inside the body of the female. External fertilisation is characteristic of aquatic animals like fish and amphibians (e.g., frogs), not terrestrial mammals.
Statement 2 is Correct. In external fertilisation, the female releases eggs into a fluid medium (usually water), and the male deposits sperms over them. This ensures that the gametes meet in the external environment. For example, during the rainy season, frogs move to ponds where the female lays hundreds of eggs in the water.
Statement 3 is Correct. Unlike the eggs of birds or reptiles which are covered by a hard shell, the eggs of animals undergoing external fertilisation (like frogs) are delicate. A layer of jelly holds the eggs together and provides protection to the eggs while they float in the water.

Key Takeaway

External fertilisation involves the fusion of gametes outside the female body, typically in water, and is common in aquatic organisms like fish and amphibians, whereas terrestrial mammals utilize internal fertilisation.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Reproduction in animals

With reference to the development of the embryo in humans, consider the following statements: 1. The embryo gets embedded in the wall of the uterus for further development. 2. The stage where body parts like hands and eyes can be identified is called the zygote. 3. The embryo completes its full development into a baby within the fallopian tube. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

In the context of human reproduction, what is the primary distinction between a zygote and a foetus?

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In the context of hen reproduction, consider the following statements: 1. Hens undergo internal fertilisation. 2. The hard shell of the egg is formed after the egg is laid. 3. The embryo takes about 3 weeks to develop into a chick. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the development of a chick, which one of the following statements is correct?

easy

Consider the following statements distinguishing Viviparous and Oviparous animals: 1. Viviparous animals are those that lay eggs. 2. Oviparous animals lay eggs which later develop into young ones. 3. Frogs and hens are examples of oviparous animals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Terrestrial mammals, such as cows, dogs, and humans, undergo internal fertilisation. In this process, the fusion of the egg and sperm occurs inside the body of the female. External fertilisation is characteristic of aquatic animals like fish and amphibians (e.g., frogs), not terrestrial mammals.
Statement 2 is Correct. In external fertilisation, the female releases eggs into a fluid medium (usually water), and the male deposits sperms over them. This ensures that the gametes meet in the external environment. For example, during the rainy season, frogs move to ponds where the female lays hundreds of eggs in the water.
Statement 3 is Correct. Unlike the eggs of birds or reptiles which are covered by a hard shell, the eggs of animals undergoing external fertilisation (like frogs) are delicate. A layer of jelly holds the eggs together and provides protection to the eggs while they float in the water.