1. Sexual Reproduction:
* Definition: A process involving the fusion of two gametes (sex cells), typically from two different parents, to produce offspring with genetic variation.
* Key Features:
* Involves the combination of genetic material from two parents.
* Produces offspring that are genetically unique from their parents.
* Often involves specialized reproductive organs (e.g., flowers in plants, gonads in animals).
* Examples: Humans, animals, most plants.
2. Asexual Reproduction:
* Definition: A process involving a single parent producing offspring that are genetically identical to itself.
* Key Features:
* Does not involve the fusion of gametes.
* Produces offspring that are clones of the parent.
* Can occur in various ways, such as budding, fission, fragmentation, and spore formation.
* Examples: Bacteria, yeast, some plants, some animals (like starfish).