Spawning is the process by which aquatic animals, such as fish and frogs, reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water. This usually occurs in specific seasons when environmental conditions, like temperature and water flow, are favorable. The eggs are often fertilized externally, meaning that the sperm must swim to the eggs in the water. Different species have unique spawning behaviors. For example, salmon travel upstream to their birthplaces to lay eggs, while coral release their eggs and sperm simultaneously during a full moon. Spawning is crucial for maintaining healthy populations and ecosystems in aquatic environments.