asexual reproduction
A reproductive process that involves only one parent and produces offspring that are identical to the parent.
binary fission
A form of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms by which one cell divides into two cells of the same size
fragmentation
A means of asexual reproduction whereby a single parent breaks into parts that regenerate into whole new individuals.
budding
Asexual reproduction in which a part of the parent organism pinches off and forms a new organism
sexual reproduction
A reproductive process that involves two parents that combine their genetic material to produce a new organism, which differs from both parents
gametes
Reproductive cells
fertilization
Fusion of male and female gametes.
zygote
Fertilized egg that becomes the first cell of the new organism
Variation (Diversity)
This is the main benefit of sexual reproduction. It leads to improvement of species and helps protect from widespread die-off.
Haploid
an organism or cell having only one complete set of chromosomes (half the normal amount).
Diploid
an organism or cell having two sets of chromosomes or twice the haploid number (the normal, full amount).
Meiosis
Cell division that produces reproductive cells (gametes) in sexually reproducing organisms