Which statement describes asexual reproduction?
A) Gametes are involved in this type of reproduction.
B) Offspring are genetically different from each other.
C) Offspring are genetically identical to the parent.
D) Two parents are required for this type of reproduction.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Ans: C
Asexual reproduction produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent (clones) because only one parent is involved, and no gametes (sex cells) are fused. This eliminates options A, B, and D.
Option C is correct as it reflects the key feature of asexual reproduction: genetic uniformity between parent and offspring. Examples include binary fission in bacteria and budding in yeast.
A gardener wants to grow some new plants that are identical to plants that she already has.
Which method of reproduction is used, and how many parents are needed for her to grow some new identical plants?
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Ans: A
To produce identical plants, the gardener must use asexual reproduction, where offspring are genetically identical to the single parent. Methods like cuttings, grafting, or runners (shown in the diagram) require only 1 parent.
Sexual reproduction (C/D) involves two parents and results in genetic variation, while asexual reproduction with two parents (B) is biologically impossible. Thus, the correct answer is A (Asexual reproduction, 1 parent).