The physiological changes that occur in the sperm, enable it to fertilize the ovum. These changes in the sperm are known as ____________

Options

A. Ovulation
B. Copulation
C. Capacitation
D. Fertilization

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the physiological changes that occur in sperm, enabling it to fertilize the ovum.

2. **Identifying Key Terms**: The key terms in the question are "physiological changes," "sperm," and "fertilize the ovum."

3. **Reviewing the Options**: The options provided are:
- A) Ovulation
- B) Copulation
- C) Capacitation
- D) Fertilization

4. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **Ovulation**: This is the release of an ovum from the ovary, not a change in sperm.
- **Copulation**: This refers to the act of mating, not specifically related to changes in sperm.
- **Capacitation**: This is a process that sperm undergoes to gain the ability to fertilize an ovum. It involves physiological changes that prepare the sperm for the fertilization process.
- **Fertilization**: This is the actual fusion of sperm and ovum, not a change that occurs in sperm.

5. **Selecting the Correct Answer**: Since capacitation is the process that enables sperm to fertilize the ovum through physiological changes, the correct answer is **C) Capacitation**.

6. **Conclusion**: The physiological changes that occur in the sperm, enabling it to fertilize the ovum, are known as capacitation.

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