What is Reproduction?

Reproduction means to reproduce. It is a biological process by which an organism reproduces an offspring who is biologically similar to the organism. Reproduction enables and ensures the continuity of species, generation after generation. It is the main feature of life on earth.

Let us have a detailed overview of reproduction, its types and the modes of reproduction in plants and animals.

Types of Reproduction

There are basically two types of reproduction:

1. Asexual Reproduction

2. Sexual Reproduction

Asexual Reproduction

“Asexual reproduction refers to the type of reproduction in which only a single organism gives rise to a new individual.”

Asexual reproduction does not involve the fusion of gametes, and therefore, the offsprings produced are genetically identical to the parent. The organisms produced by asexual reproduction are less diverse in nature. This type of reproduction is practised widely by unicellular organisms.

The process involves rapid population growth and no mate is required for the process. However, a lack of genetic diversity makes the organisms more susceptible to diseases and nutrition deficiencies.

Asexual reproduction is further divided into:

1. Binary Fission: In this, the cell splits into two each cell carrying a copy of the DNA from the parent cell. For eg., amoeba.

2. Budding: In this, a small bud-like outgrowth gives rise to a new individual. The outgrowth remains attached to the organism until it is fully grown. It detaches itself as lives as an individual organism. For eg., hydra

3. Fragmentation: In this, the parent organism splits into several parts and each part grows into a new individual. For eg., Planaria

4. Sporogenesis: In this type of reproduction, a new organism grows from the spores. These can be created without fertilization and can spread through wind and animals.