Here's why:
* Gametogenesis is the process of producing gametes (sperm and egg cells). These gametes are haploid, meaning they contain only half the number of chromosomes present in the parent organism's somatic cells.
* Fertilization is the fusion of a haploid sperm cell with a haploid egg cell. This fusion combines the two sets of chromosomes, restoring the diploid number of chromosomes in the resulting zygote.
Therefore, fertilization is the key process that ensures the continuity of the species by maintaining the proper chromosome number in offspring.
