Which reproductive process involves only one parent and yields offspring identical to that parent?

Which reproductive process involves only one parent and yields offspring identical to that parent?

• A. Sexual reproduction
• B. Asexual reproduction
• C. Cloning
• D. Budding

Answer: (B)

Single-parent reproduction means offspring arise without any genetic input from another individual. In this mode, there is no mixing of genes, so the offspring end up with the same genetic material as the parent (ignoring rare mutations). That makes asexual reproduction the general category that fits best, since it covers any process where a single organism can produce a genetically identical copy. Sexual reproduction, on the other hand, requires two parents and introduces genetic variation, so offspring are not identical to the parent. Cloning can also yield identical copies, but it’s typically described as a specific technique or method rather than the natural reproductive mode, whereas the question is about the reproductive process itself. Budding is a form of asexual reproduction, reinforcing the idea that a single parent can give rise to an identical offspring.

Single-parent reproduction means offspring arise without any genetic input from another individual. In this mode, there is no mixing of genes, so the offspring end up with the same genetic material as the parent (ignoring rare mutations). That makes asexual reproduction the general category that fits best, since it covers any process where a single organism can produce a genetically identical copy. Sexual reproduction, on the other hand, requires two parents and introduces genetic variation, so offspring are not identical to the parent. Cloning can also yield identical copies, but it’s typically described as a specific technique or method rather than the natural reproductive mode, whereas the question is about the reproductive process itself. Budding is a form of asexual reproduction, reinforcing the idea that a single parent can give rise to an identical offspring.