In species which produce two morphologically distinct types of gametes , and in which each individual produces only one type , a female is any individual which produces the larger type of gameteâ '' called an ovum ( or egg ) â '' and a male produces the smaller typeâ '' called a spermatozoon ( or sperm cell ) . In species that produce two morphologically distinct types of gametes , and in which each individual produces only one type , a female is any individual that produces the larger type of gameteâ '' called an ovum ( or egg ) â '' and a male produces the smaller tadpole-like typeâ '' called a sperm .