Question 6
Distinguish between asexual and sexual reproduction. Why is vegetative reproduction also considered as a type of asexual reproduction?
Sexual reproduction | Asexual reproduction | |
1 | It involves the fusion of the male and female gamete. | It does not involves the fusion of the male and the female gamete |
2. | It requires two (usually) different individuals. | It requires only one individual. |
3. | The individuals produced are not identical to their parents and show variations from each other and also, from their parents. | The individuals produced are identical to the parent and are hence, called clones. |
4. | Most animals reproduce sexually. Both sexual and asexual modes of reproduction are found in plants. | Asexual modes of reproduction are common in organisms having simple organizations such as algae and fungi. |
5. | It is a slow process. | It is a fast process. |
Vegetative propagation is a process in which new plants are obtained without the production of seeds or spores. It involves the propagation of plants through certain vegetative parts such as the rhizome, sucker, tuber, bulb, etc. It does not involve the fusion of the male and the female gamete and requires only one parent. Hence, vegetative reproduction is considered as a type of asexual reproduction.
