Which of the following describes fertilization that occurs inside the body of a parent?

Fertilization that occurs inside the body of a parent is known as internal fertilization. In this process, the sperm fertilizes the egg within the female reproductive tract, leading to the development of embryos inside the body. This method is common among many animals, particularly mammals, and offers advantages such as increased protection for the developing embryos.

Internal fertilization contrasts with external fertilization, where fertilization takes place outside the body, often in water, as seen in many fish and amphibians. Asexual reproduction refers to a process where offspring are produced without the involvement of gametes, effectively creating clones of the parent. Sexual reproduction encompasses both internal and external fertilization processes and involves the combination of genetic material from two parents.

Thus, internal fertilization is specifically characterized by the fertilization occurring within the parent’s body, making it the correct description in this context.