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
'die Ausbreitung' and 'die Fortpflanzung' can both be important for living organisms, but they do not mean the same thing. 'Fortpflanzung' describes animals, plants, or other living organisms producing offspring. 'Ausbreitung' describes something spreading over a larger area or reaching more people, animals, or places. For an animal species, the two processes can be connected: through reproduction, it can spread more widely. The words can be confused when talking about nature or diseases. The key point is: 'Fortpflanzung' is about new offspring, while 'Ausbreitung' is about more space or more affected individuals.
Im Biologieunterricht lernen wir, wie die Fortpflanzung bei Fischen funktioniert.
In biology class, we learn how reproduction works in fish.
Die Ausbreitung der Mücken ist in diesem Sommer besonders stark.
The spread of mosquitoes is especially strong this summer.