What is reproduction? Name the different modes of reproduction

Reproduction is a biological process through which organisms produce new individuals, ensuring the survival of their species. It occurs in two main forms: asexual reproduction, where a single parent gives rise to genetically identical offspring (clones), and sexual reproduction, where two parents contribute genetic material, resulting in offspring with genetic variation.

Asexual Reproduction

• One Parent: Only a single parent is involved.
• Genetic Identity: Offspring are exact genetic copies of the parent.
• Types of Asexual Reproduction:
  • Binary Fission: One cell splits into two identical cells (e.g., bacteria).
  • Budding: A new organism develops from a bud on the parent (e.g., yeast, hydra).
  • Fragmentation: Parent body breaks into fragments, each growing into a new individual (e.g., some plants, corals, starfish).
  • Vegetative Propagation: New plants grow from stems, roots, or other parts of the parent plant (e.g., potato, ginger).

Sexual Reproduction

• Two Parents: Requires both male and female parents.
• Gametes: Each parent provides specialized sex cells — sperm from the male and egg from the female.
• Fertilization: The sperm and egg fuse to form a zygote, which develops into a new organism.
• Genetic Variation: Offspring are genetically different, carrying a unique mix of traits from both parents.
• Examples: Common in most animals (mammals, birds) as well as many plants and fungi.