What is the fusion of the male and female gametes known as?

The fusion of the male and female gametes is called fertilisation. This process is crucial in sexual reproduction, where the sperm (male gamete) merges with the ovule (female gamete) to form a zygote. The zygote then undergoes division and development to form an embryo, which eventually leads to the formation of a new organism.

Fertilisation can occur in various forms across different organisms. In flowering plants, for example, it typically follows pollination, where pollen from a male anther is transferred to a female stigma, setting the stage for fertilisation. In animals, fertilisation generally occurs internally or externally, depending upon the species.

The other choices pertain to different biological processes: pollination involves the transfer of pollen; germination refers to the process whereby a seed begins to grow; and embryogenesis encompasses the development stages of the embryo after fertilisation. Understanding these definitions helps clarify the specific role of fertilisation in the reproductive cycle.