What is Reproduction?

Reproduction is defined as a biological process in which an organism gives rise to young ones (offspring) similar to itself. The offspring grow, mature and in turn produce new offspring. Thus, there is a cycle of birth, growth and death. Reproduction enables the continuity of the species, generation after generation.

There is a large diversity in the biological world and each organism has evolved its own mechanism to multiply and produce offspring. The organism’s habitat, its internal physiology and several other factors are collectively responsible for how it reproduces. Based on whether there is the participation of one organism or two in the process of reproduction, it is of two types:

Asexual Reproduction

When offspring is produced by a single parent with or without the involvement of gamete formation, the reproduction is asexual.

Sexual Reproduction

When two parents (opposite sex) participate in the reproductive process and also involve the fusion of male and female gametes, it is called sexual reproduction.

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