What is conception?

Conception refers to the initial stage of fertilization, where a viable zygote is formed. This occurs when a sperm cell successfully penetrates an egg cell, resulting in the combination of genetic material from both parents. The formation of a zygote marks the beginning of a new organism's development and is a crucial event in reproductive biology.

The other options, while related to reproduction, describe different processes. The release of an egg from the ovary is known as ovulation, not conception. The gestation period describes the duration of development of the embryo or fetus inside the female's body before birth. Lastly, the act of mating involves the physical pairing of male and female animals, but conception specifically refers to the successful fertilization of the egg and the creation of a zygote. Understanding this distinction is key to grasping reproductive concepts in animal science.