What is the production of genetically identical offspring from a single parent called?

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

Answer: (A)

Asexual reproduction is the production of genetically identical offspring from a single parent. In this mode, no gametes fuse, so the offspring inherit the same genetic material as the parent, aside from any new mutations that might occur. This contrasts with sexual reproduction, which involves two parents and introduces genetic variation through the combination of its genes. Budding and binary fission are examples of asexual methods, producing offspring without fertilization. Cloning refers to making genetically identical copies, often through artificial techniques, but the general idea of single-parent, identical offspring is captured by asexual reproduction.