Final answer:
The second polar body develops following fertilization. This occurs when a sperm fertilizes the secondary oocyte, leading to the completion of meiosis II and the formation of the zygote and second polar body, which then degenerates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development of the second polar body occurs following fertilization. If the secondary oocyte is fertilized by a sperm, it completes meiosis II, which results in the formation of a diploid zygote and a second polar body. The latter, similar to the first polar body, typically breaks down and disappears. On the other hand, if fertilization does not occur, the secondary oocyte simply disintegrates without completing meiosis II and without forming a second polar body.
The formation of the second polar body takes place after fertilization in the context of oocyte development. When a sperm fertilizes the secondary oocyte, it triggers the completion of meiosis II. This results in the formation of a diploid zygote and the generation of a second polar body. Similar to the fate of the first polar body, the second polar body typically undergoes breakdown and dissolution. In instances where fertilization does not occur, the secondary oocyte disintegrates without progressing through meiosis II, and no second polar body is formed. This dual outcome highlights the significance of fertilization in dictating the subsequent events in oocyte development, with the completion of meiosis II leading to the formation of a zygote, while the absence of fertilization leads to the degradation of the oocyte without the generation of a second polar body.