Asexual and Sexual Reproduction

Exploring Asexual and Sexual Reproduction

Hardly anyone can resist the appeal of babies. Have you ever held a puppy or a kitten? Many baby animals start out as small, young versions of their parents. But how did these puppies come into being? Where did they come from? Why do they look like miniature versions of adult dogs? Do you know of any organisms that look completely different when they are young than when they are adults?

Puppies!

These puppies are only a few weeks old. What do you think their parents look like?

New organisms result from reproduction—“producing again.” Puppies, kittens, ducklings, and many other organisms you are familiar with are the result of reproduction involving two parents. This is known as sexual reproductionglossary term (opens in a new window). But there are many other organisms that result from reproduction involving only one parent. This is known as asexual reproductionglossary term (opens in a new window). Fungi are an example of an organism that does not require two parents for reproduction. Do you know of any other organisms that reproduce asexually?

Reproduction

How does life continue from generation to generation?

You can imagine that the mechanisms for both types of reproduction are complex, since they result in the making of a new organism. Genetic material must be combined, divided, passed on, differentiated, and much more.