Reproduction through asexual or sexual means is essential for species survival. Asexual reproduction involves a single parent and results in offspring that are genetically identical clones, while sexual reproduction requires two parents and produces offspring with genetic variation by combining the parents' genes. The main types of asexual reproduction are binary fission, budding, regeneration, and mitosis. Sexual reproduction occurs through the fusion of egg and sperm cells during fertilization.

1. UNIT 4
REPRODUCTION &
CELLULAR DIVISION
Section 1
Reproduction
Biology - DeFord

2. REPRODUCTION IS ESSENTIAL
 Reproduction (the process through which new organisms
are formed) is a defining characteristic of living organisms
and is essential for the survival of the species as a whole
 Reproduction results in an exact duplicate of the parent
(asexual) or a duplicate with genetic variation (sexual)

4. ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION
 Formation of new individuals without the involvement of
gametes
 Requires only one parent to produce offspring (no
searching for mates)
 Offspring are genetically identical to the parent (clones)
 Most unicellular organisms reproduce this way, as well as
some plants and fungi
 Binary fission, budding, cuttings, regeneration, and mitosis
are types of asexual reproduction

5. ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION
binary
cutting
s
buddin
g
regeneratio

6. SEXUAL REPRODUCTION
 Formation of new individuals through the fusion of a
female gamete (ovum) and a male gamete (sperm) forming
a zygote
 Requires two parents to produce offspring
 Offspring are NOT identical to the parent (offspring share
the characteristics of both parents) and thus increases
genetic variation in a population
 Primary method of reproduction for the vast majority of
visible organisms, including almost all animals and plants
 Usually entails processes such as meiosis and fertilization