Fertilization is the process where a male's sperm cell joins with a female's egg cell to create a new life. This usually happens during sexual reproduction, where the sperm travels through the female's reproductive system to reach the egg. Once they meet, they combine their genetic material, forming a single cell called a zygote, which will eventually develop into an embryo. After fertilization, the zygote begins to divide and grow, moving down the fallopian tube toward the uterus. If it successfully implants in the uterine lining, it can develop into a fetus, leading to pregnancy. This remarkable process is essential for the continuation of many species, including humans.