Reproduction/Legends

Reproduction was the biological process in which new organisms were produced from “parent” organisms. In order for organisms to genetically reproduce they must be compatible on a genetic level for a successful outcome.

The various forms of reproduction between species in the known universe could be categorized into two global types: Sexual reproduction and Asexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction typically required the involvement of two individual organisms, usually each from an opposite gender (usually Male and Female) of the same species, mating to contribute and/or combine genetic material. Asexual reproduction involved an individual organism producing new organisms without the involvement of another. These organisms were either capable of self-replication or were hermaphroditic (meaning they self-fertilized).

Cloning
Cloning refered to the process of reproducing a near symmetrical duplicate of a being through artificial means. By obtaining the genetic code of an individual, numerous copies of said individual could be created depending on the state of the technology available to the cloner. Various species, such as the Khommites, Columi and Verpines, rellied on cloning as their chief means of reproduction. While others, like the Kaminoans used the art of the cloning as their chief production resource.

Other
There have been various instances where an organism had genetically reproduced on a scale previously undocumented.
 * In the case of Zonama Sekot, a sentient planet asexually produced an offspring before its death.
 * In the case of Shmi Skywalker a human female produced an offspring without sexual reproduction. A reproductive trait not associated with the human species.

Pornography
Amongst many species, particularly amongst those that derive physical and/or emotional pleasure from the act, the allure of reproduction was a source of entertainment with various displays and depictions usually centring around the reproductive act itself and/or the organs associated with the act, such as the breasts, as well as other, associated, themes.

The topic was popular enough across the galaxy that the pornography trade, or “Adult Content”, was a lucrative, though usually shady, business.

Reproductive and Post-reproductive Strategies
There was a wide range of reproductive strategies employed by different species in the galaxy.

Some species, many of which were humanoids, were not capable of reproduction until many years after birth. Other species could reproduce quickly after birth, with numerous offspring however, most of these offspring did not survive to adulthood due to environmental influences.

In terms of evolutionary habits, species who could only reproduce a few offspring at a time tended to devote more resources to the nurturing and protection of said offspring than in comparison to those species who could produce many offspring who tend to devote fewer resources to each offspring; for these species it is common for many offspring to die soon after birth, but enough individuals typically survive to maintain the population.

Reproduction Cycles
Various species and organisms reproduced at various seasons continuously throughout their lives. These intervals could usually be mapped into cycles, known as Reproduction cycles.

In contrast, other organisms could only reproduce once in their lifetime, often dying shortly after reproduction either due to the actions of their mate or due to genetic influence.