What is the process by which a single parent reproduces by itself?

What is the process by which a single parent reproduces by itself?

• A. Sexual reproduction
• B. Asexual reproduction
• C. Fertilization
• D. Zygote

Answer: (B)

A single parent reproducing is an example of asexual reproduction. In this mode, the offspring come from one organism without the fusion of gametes, so there’s no fertilization involved and the new organisms are usually genetically identical to the parent (effectively a clone). This contrasts with sexual reproduction, which requires two parents and the joining of sperm and egg to form a zygote, introducing genetic variation. Terms like fertilization and zygote are part of the sexual process: fertilization is the union of gametes, and the zygote is the first cell produced after that union. Some organisms can produce offspring without fertilization through mechanisms like budding or vegetative propagation, which are all examples of asexual reproduction.

A single parent reproducing is an example of asexual reproduction. In this mode, the offspring come from one organism without the fusion of gametes, so there’s no fertilization involved and the new organisms are usually genetically identical to the parent (effectively a clone). This contrasts with sexual reproduction, which requires two parents and the joining of sperm and egg to form a zygote, introducing genetic variation. Terms like fertilization and zygote are part of the sexual process: fertilization is the union of gametes, and the zygote is the first cell produced after that union. Some organisms can produce offspring without fertilization through mechanisms like budding or vegetative propagation, which are all examples of asexual reproduction.