繁殖

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 繁殖 is read as はんしょく and functions as a noun or with する for animals or plants reproducing and increasing their numbers.
• Basic usage: Use 魚が繁殖する for animals reproducing and 植物の繁殖方法 for methods of plant reproduction.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Contrast with 増殖
  • 繁殖 focuses on organisms reproducing new individuals, while 増殖 more broadly describes an increase in number or amount, including cells and microorganisms.
• Contrast with 飼育
  • 飼育 means raising and caring for animals; it does not by itself say that the animals reproduced.