Step 1: Concept
Oogenesis is the biological process of formation of a mature female gamete (ovum).
Step 2: Meaning
Unlike spermatogenesis in males, which starts at puberty, the timeline for oogenesis is unique in human females.
Step 3: Analysis
Oogenesis is initiated during the embryonic development stage when a few million gamete mother cells (oogonia) are formed within each fetal ovary. No more oogonia are formed or added after birth.
Step 4: Conclusion
These cells start division and enter prophase-I of meiotic division and get temporarily arrested at that stage. Thus, the process begins long before birth.
Final Answer: (C)