Reproduction/Legends

"This is the purpose of life, is it not? To create life is the greatest act a living creature can commit."

- Ooryl Qrygg

Reproduction, or sex, 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 and asexual reproduction.

Sexual reproduction
"Well, the parts line up fine as far as I'm concerned, but things don't connect that well on a cellular level, I guess."

- Gavin Darklighter, on his compatibility with Asyr Sei'lar

In many species that had two sexes, the creation of a new organism was obtained by combining the genetic material of two "parents," that is two opposite-sex organisms. That usually required mating, sexual union involving penetration so the male's sperm could impregnate a female's ovum. In most mammals, the offspring would then gestate in the mother's womb until birth. Depending on the genital and cellular compatibility, two individuals of different species could reproduce or not. Examples of valid hybridization included Human-Zabrak or Borneck-Etti.

Asexual reproduction
"My people reproduce as they will, and I decided it was time for me to do so."

- Jiliac the Hutt, about his being pregnant

By contrast, asexual reproduction involved an individual organism producing new organisms without the involvement of another. Those organisms were either capable of self-replication or were hermaphroditic&mdash;meaning they contained both male and female reproductive organs. Such was the case with most gastropods and plant-based species. .

Cloning
Cloning referred 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, relied 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. This was the work of Darth Plagueis and his attempt for eternal life.

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 centering 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
"If having kids is so important, why don't you have any?''" "I am januwine. It is not for me to choose a wife, but for Gand to choose one for me. At that time I shall proudly commit genetic fusion." "''The idea loses something in translation there."

- Corran Horn and Ooryl Qrygg

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.

Non-reproductive mating
"If all we ever have is right now&mdash;this night&mdash;then let's make it wonderful."

- Shae Koda and Xesh spend the night together

While mating normally took place in the context of reproduction, sentient beings often engaged in sexual intercourse for recreational purposes, or as a means to express their romantic love and care for one another. In the latter case, mating was referred to as the loving. While romantic and sexual attraction to the opposite sex was considered the norm, some sentient individuals were attracted to people of their own sex, without apparent controversy. Such individuals were frequently encountered on the planet of Makeb during the Galactic War. It was notably the case of Cytharat, Sith Lord of the Sith Empire. In the society of the Mandalorians, same-sex relationships were also uncontroversial. Goran Beviin and Medrit Vasur, two male Mandalorians, even contracted marriage. Other individuals, like Lemda Avesta of Makeb, were indifferently attracted to members of either sex.

The Zeltrons, a pink-skinned species from the planet Zeltros, were known for having many transient sexual relationships on a casual basis. Although their promiscuity often confused and embarrassed other species, including Humans, the Zeltrons were not ashamed of that cultural trait. On the contrary, they regarded monogamy as an eccentric practice. The non-Zeltrons often met their overt sexual advances with great disconcertion.

Some beings who were referred to as prostitutes engaged in promiscuous sexual relations for payment. Such activities were normally confined within brothels, a type of buildings that were often associated with other seedy venues, including bars and gambling dens. Some prostitutes, however, would directly solicit potential customers in the streets. The Zeltron cafarel, both male and female, were known for fulfilling any carnal desire a being might have.