Describe assisted reproduction in mammals
Distinguish IVF, embryo transfer and surrogacy in endangered-mammal conservation.
A Level; Cambridge International Biology 9700, 2028–2030. Written responses are self-checked; this does not certify supervised fieldwork or practical competence.
Before you begin
- Classification compares shared characteristics; populations occupy environments and contain variation.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
What does IVF do in assisted reproduction?
What you will learn
- Describe the role of IVF in producing embryos
- Distinguish embryo transfer from surrogacy
Build the explanation
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) brings eggs and sperm together outside the body under controlled conditions to form embryos. Embryo transfer places an embryo into a recipient female where it may implant and develop. A surrogate carries the developing embryo and gives birth; the surrogate may be from a related or suitable species if biologically compatible.
Use evidence within scope
These methods can increase breeding opportunities for endangered mammals but require suitable gametes, recipients and species-specific expertise. They do not automatically solve low genetic diversity or habitat loss, and survival rates can be limited.
Pause and explain
Why is assisted reproduction not a complete conservation plan for a mammal?
Worked example
An embryo created by IVF is placed into a recipient female to develop. Name the procedure.
Show the worked solution
- The embryo already exists.
- It is transferred to a recipient.
Answer Embryo transfer. If the recipient carries the pregnancy, she acts as a surrogate.
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Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Egg and sperm fuse under controlled laboratory conditions. Which method is this?
Give me a hint
Identify the required evidence and sequence the reasoning.
Compare my reasoning
- Fertilisation occurs outside the body.
- That is IVF.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Look for these in your work
- Relevant evidence selected
- Reasoning linked to conclusion
An embryo is placed into a recipient that carries it to birth. Identify both steps after fertilisation.
Give me a hint
Use the supplied example or data to justify a conclusion.
Compare my reasoning
- The embryo is transferred.
- The recipient is a surrogate.
Embryo transfer into a surrogate, which carries the pregnancy.
Look for these in your work
- Concept applied
- Limit or assumption stated
Why is assisted reproduction not a complete conservation plan for a mammal?
Give me a hint
Apply the concept in a new context and qualify its limits.
Compare my reasoning
- It does not by itself remove habitat threats.
- It can leave genetic and reintroduction issues.
It may increase births, but habitat loss, genetic diversity, survival after release and the original causes of decline still need to be addressed.
Look for these in your work
- New context handled
- Conclusion appropriately bounded
Common mistakes
- Using IVF and embryo transfer as synonyms
- Assuming the surrogate supplies the embryo’s nuclear genes
What can you explain now?
What does IVF do in assisted reproduction?
Compare with the explanation
Fertilise an egg with sperm outside the body
It produces an embryo before any transfer.
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Make it stick
How do IVF, embryo transfer and surrogacy fit together?
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.