A reproductive process that involves only one parent and produces offspring identical to the parent is called

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

Answer: (A)

A single-parent reproductive process that produces offspring identical to the parent is asexual reproduction. In this mode, there is no fusion of gametes or genetic mixing, so the offspring inherit the exact genetic material of the parent (aside from any rare mutations). This contrasts with sexual reproduction, which involves two parents and creates offspring with a new combination of genes, leading to genetic variation. Some asexual methods occur naturally, such as budding or binary fission, where new individuals arise from the parent without joining another organism. Cloning is a way to create genetic copies as well, but it’s typically discussed as an artificial or laboratory process rather than a standard natural reproductive method.