Assisted Reproduction & Contraception
Biology: Cambridge International A Level, topic 18.3.4
Assisted Reproduction & Contraception
The conservation of endangered species can be supported through assisted reproductive mechanisms. Sometimes culling & contraceptive methods are important to prevent overpopulation.
Assisted reproduction - IVF
- In in vitro fertilisation (IVF), FSH & LH are given to stimulate the growth of lots of eggs in females.
- Eggs are collected before being fertilised in a petri dish in a laboratory, using sperm from the male.
- These fertilised eggs grow into embryos. The embryos are then transferred to the uterus of a mother or a surrogate.
- This technique is used to to help conserve endangered mammals.
Contraception & culling
- Sometimes contraception and culling are used to prevent species overpopulation.
- An example is white deer overpopulation in the United States.
- Following a rapid expansion of white deer populations, culling was used to bring numbers down. Contraceptives were also used to limit growth.
- This was important to prevent overgrazing and the potential loss of plant species. It also helps to reduce the spread of diseases.
Test yourself on Assisted Reproduction & Contraception
An infertile female is most likely to have insufficient levels of which hormone?