8.1

• What is asexual reproduction?

  Asexual reproduction is the production of offspring from just one parent.
• How are the offspring produced through asexual reproduction related to their parents?

  The offspring are genetically identical to their parents.
• In which types of organisms does asexual reproduction occur?

  Asexual reproduction occurs in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
• What is fission in the context of asexual reproduction?

  Fission is when the parent cell splits, forming two genetically identical cells.
• Which organisms reproduce by fission?

  Prokaryotes such as bacteria and protozoa such as amoeba reproduce by fission.
• What distinguishes protozoa from prokaryotes?

  Protozoa are simple eukaryotes and have a membrane-bound nucleus.
• How does the process of budding occur?

  Budding occurs when a small outgrowth (a bud) develops on the surface of the parent organism and eventually detaches, forming a new organism.
• In which organisms does budding occur?

  Budding occurs in unicellular organisms such as yeast cells and some invertebrate multicellular organisms such as hydra, sponges, and coral polyps.
• What is vegetative propagation?

  Vegetative propagation is when part of the plant body becomes detached and develops into a new individual.
• What are the natural methods of vegetative propagation?

  • Tubers
  • Rhizomes
  • Runners
  • Plantlets
  • Bulbs
• What are the artificial techniques of vegetative propagation?

  • Grafting
  • Cutting
• What is spore formation?

  Spore formation is the production of small, lightweight capsules in large numbers by asexual reproduction.
• What types of organisms produce spores?

  Spores are produced by fungi including moulds, some protists, prokaryotes, algae, ferns, and mosses.
• What is fragmentation in asexual reproduction?

  Fragmentation is when the parent breaks into two or more fragments, and each fragment regenerates into new daughter organisms.
• Which organisms reproduce through fragmentation?

  Fragmentation occurs in many multicellular organisms including plants and animals such as echinoderms, annelids, and flatworms.
• What is parthenogenesis?

  Parthenogenesis is when offspring are produced from an unfertilised egg of a female parent.
• In which species does parthenogenesis occur?

  Parthenogenesis occurs in many invertebrate species such as some ants, water flies, stick insects, bees, aphids, and termites, as well as some vertebrates like fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
• What is a unique characteristic of parthenogenesis offspring?

  Offspring produced by parthenogenesis are genetically identical to the female parent.
• What are the advantages of asexual reproduction?

  • Only one parent is involved, saving energy on finding a mate.
  • Commonly found in stable environments suited to the organisms.
  • Large numbers of offspring produced rapidly for spreading and colonization.
• What are the disadvantages of asexual reproduction?

  • Lack of genetic diversity may lead to vulnerability to environmental changes.
  • Populations may only be suited to one type of environment.
  • Can lead to overcrowding and over-competition for resources.