Q.6 Define asexual reproduction. Describe two methods of asexual reproduction in animals.

Asexual reproduction is a mode of reproduction that does not involve the fusion of the male and the female gamete. It requires only one parent which undergoes a type of fission to generate exact copies of themselves with their genetic material. The offsprings that are produced as exact copies of their parents is called as clones.

(i) Binary fission

It is a type of asexual reproduction in which a single cell(parent cell) divides into two halves(daughter cells) along with their genetic material. Organisms that reproduce through binary fission are bacteria and amoeba. In amoeba, the division of cells can take place in any plane that involves the division of its nucleus into two nuclei, which is followed by the division of its body into two halves. Each half of the body receives a nucleus containing the genetic material and thus forming one daughter cell. A total of two daughter cells are produced in a binary fission from one parent cell.



(ii) Budding

In budding, the organism develops a bulge like projection on its body called as bud which further develops into an adult organism and separates itself from the parent body to lead an independent life. Thus a new organism is developed from a small part of the parent's body. This type of reproduction is shown by hydra.