Answer:
Asexual reproduction is a type of reproduction in which a new offspring is produced by a single parent. The new individuals produced are genetically and physically identical to each other.
Some key points about asexual are following -
* Single parent involved.
* No fertilization or gamete formation takes place.
* This process of reproduction occurs in a very short time.
* The organisms multiply and grow rapidly.
* The offspring is genetically similar.
Types of asexual reproduction are -
i. Binary Fission- The parent cell divides into two, each daughter cell carrying a nucleus of its own that is genetically identical to the parent.
ii. Budding- Budding is the process of producing an individual through the buds that develop on the parent body.
iii. Fragmentation - The parent body divides into several fragments and each fragment develops into a new organism.
iv .Vegetative Propagation- Asexual reproduction in plants occurs through their vegetative parts such as leaves, roots, stems, and buds.
v. Sporogenesis - During unfavourable conditions, the organism develops sac-like structures called sporangium that contain spores. When the conditions are favourable, the sporangium burst opens and spores are released that germinate to give rise to new organisms.