What is fertilization also known as?

Fertilization is also known as syngamy, which refers to the process in which two gametes (sperm and egg) unite to form a zygote. The term emphasizes the combining of genetic material from two distinct parent organisms, which is a crucial event in sexual reproduction. During syngamy, the genetic contributions from both the male and female gametes merge, leading to an increase in genetic diversity in the offspring.

While the other terms have biological significance, they do not specifically describe the process of fertilization. Meiosis is the process by which gametes are produced and involves the reduction of chromosome number, while fission refers to a form of asexual reproduction where an organism divides into two or more separate entities. Fusion might broadly refer to the joining of two cells or structures, but in the context of fertilization, the specific term syngamy is preferred to illustrate the process of gamete union.