ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual Reproduction One organism produces an offspring that is identical to itself and lives independently of the other organism. Most unicellular organisms reproduce using cell division (mitosis). Cell division and reproduction are the SAME thing in all unicellular organisms.

Types of Asexual Reproduction Binary Fission Fragmentation Vegetative propagation Budding Parthenogenesis Bacteria Flatworms Strawberries Hydra Whiptail lizard

Binary Fission Single celled organisms, such as paramecium and bacteria reproduce by splitting themselves in half! This is often the only way these organisms can reproduce.

FRAGMENTATION Some animals can grow from a separate piece of the parent animal. This happens in only the simplest animals, such as the flatworm Another example is a Sea Star (Star Fish)

VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION New plants can be produced from sections of parent plants that are cut off. Cells from stems, roots and leaves of a parent plant can take root and grow. New plants that reproduce this way, are genetically identical to the parent plant.

BUDDING Cell division produces a bud. As the bud grows, it forms an identical copy of its parent. It usually grows on the parent, until it is big enough and becomes independent.

PARTHENOGENESIS Some animals may produce eggs that develop into offspring without fertilization. Common examples occur in insects, reptiles, and fish.

Differences between Asexual and Sexual Reproduction ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION Use cell division and other processes Two parent organisms Rate of reproduction is slower than rate for asexual Offspring have genetic information from two parents Only use cell division One parent organism Rate of reproduction is rapid Offspring is identical to parent

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