Which of the following organisms reproduces by budding?

(a) Amoeba

(b) Hydra

(c) Paramecium

(d) Earthworm

The correct answer is (b) Hydra 

Budding is a type of asexual reproduction where a small outgrowth, called a bud, develops on the parent’s body due to repeated cell division. This bud grows gradually, develops into a tiny new individual, and eventually detaches to live independently.

Hydra is the classic example of budding.

• In Hydra, cells at one particular spot of the body wall start dividing rapidly.
• This forms a bud-like structure that grows into a miniature Hydra.
• Once fully developed, it detaches from the parent and survives as a separate organism.

This process allows Hydra to reproduce quickly and maintain its population even in stable environments.

Why Not the Other Options?

• Amoeba: Reproduces by binary fission, where the nucleus divides into two, forming two daughter cells.
• Paramecium: Also reproduces by binary fission (asexual) and conjugation (sexual).
• Earthworm: Reproduces sexually, requiring two earthworms to exchange gametes.