reproduction
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reproduction
The biological process by which living organisms produce offspring.
Im Biologieunterricht lernen wir über die Fortpflanzung von Tieren und Pflanzen.
In biology class, we learn about the reproduction of animals and plants.
The word is made up of the prefix 'fort-' (onward, forward) and 'Pflanzung' (planting). Figuratively, it describes the 'planting onward' of life into the next generation.
Die Fortpflanzung sichert das Überleben der Art.
Reproduction ensures the survival of the species.
The related verb is 'sich fortpflanzen' (to reproduce). It is reflexive and is used to describe the active process of producing offspring.
Einige Bakterien können sich sehr schnell fortpflanzen.
Some bacteria can reproduce very quickly.
Common combinations are 'geschlechtliche Fortpflanzung' (sexual reproduction) and 'ungeschlechtliche Fortpflanzung' (asexual reproduction). You can also say that a feature 'der Fortpflanzung dient' (serves reproduction).
Die ungeschlechtliche Fortpflanzung ist bei vielen Pflanzen üblich.
Asexual reproduction is common in many plants.
'Fortpflanzung' (reproduction) is a rather formal and scientific term. It is used mainly in biological, medical, or factual contexts.
Der Dokumentarfilm erklärt die Fortpflanzung von Meerestieren.
The documentary explains the reproduction of marine animals.
spread / propagation
In the context of waves, Ausbreitung describes their movement and spatial spread, for example in the case of sound or light. Fortpflanzung, by contrast, refers to the biological production of offspring in the meaning given here and is not synonymous in this context. Ausbreitung is therefore used for waves.
Die Fortpflanzung dieser Pflanzen gelingt im warmen Gewächshaus besonders gut.
These plants reproduce particularly well in the warm greenhouse.
Die Ausbreitung des Schalls im Raum hängt von den Bedingungen der Umgebung ab.
The propagation of sound through space depends on the conditions of the surroundings.
