Asexual reproduction involves a single parent and produces offspring that are genetically identical. It occurs through binary fission in bacteria, budding in yeast and hydra, spore formation in fungi and plants, and vegetative reproduction in plants growing from cuttings or bulbs. Sexual reproduction involves two parents and their gametes combining to produce offspring with a mix of both parents' genes. Whether asexual or sexual reproduction is better depends on the circumstances, as asexual reproduction is faster but less adaptable while sexual reproduction creates more variation but takes more time and energy.

1. Asexual Reproduction
7th Grade Ms. Ale

2. Differences
Asexual Reproduction Sexual Reproduction
involves only 1 parent involves 2 parents
offspring genetically
offspring genetic mix
identical to parent
involves regular body
of both parents
involves specialized
cells
its quick sex cells
its slow

3. Binary Fission
Rod-Shaped Bacterium,
hemorrhagic E. coli
2 daughter cells are identical to parent

4. Budding
Budding
happens in yeast,
hydra, corals
parent produces a
bud
bud gets detached
and develops into
offspring which is
identical to parent

6. Spore Formation
Spore Formation
happens in fungi, green
Fungi algae, moulds and non
flowering plants (e.g.
ferns)
spores are produced
and each spore
Fern develops into offspring
which are identical to
parent

7. Sporulation

8. Vegetative Reproduction
does not involve seeds
some offspring can grow from
cuttings (e.g. coleus), runners
(e.g. strawberries), tubers (e.g.
potatoes) or bulbs (e.g. tulips)…
which are part of the parent plant
Vegetative
Reproduction

10. Sexual Reproduction in Animals
involves specialized sex cells called gametes
the union of a male and female gamete results in the
formation of a zygote that develops into a new individual

11. Which is Better?
It depends!
Asexual Reproduction Sexual Reproduction
advantages advantages
does not require special cells or lots of variation within a species
a lot of energy able to live in a variety of
can produce offspring quickly environmental settings
in a stable environment creates able to adapt to changes in the
large, thriving population environment
disadvantages disadvantages
limited ability to adapt needs time & energy
face massive die-off if produce small populations
environment changes