KEY CONCEPT Many organisms reproduce by cell division.

Binary fission occurs in prokaryotes. Binary fission is asexual reproduction of a single celled organism by division into 2 parts. Asexual reproduction is the creation of offspring from a single parent. Binary fission produces two daughter cells genetically identical to the parent cell. Binary fission occurs in prokaryotes. parent cell DNA duplicates cell begins to divide daughter cells

Some eukaryotes reproduce through mitosis. Budding forms a new organism from a small projection growing on the surface of the parent. bud Hydra Yeast

Fragmentation is the splitting of the parent into pieces that each grow into a new organism. Vegetative reproduction forms a new plant from the modification of a stem or underground structure on the parent plant.

Organisms do not spend resources finding and attracting a mate. Environment determines what form of reproduction is most advantageous. Sexual reproduction is an advantage in changing conditions. Asexual reproduction is an advantage in consistently favorable conditions. Advantage Disadvantage It can be more efficient if organisms are well suited to the environment. Organisms do not spend resources finding and attracting a mate. All species respond the same way to the environment. Organisms may lack the adaptability to survive in changing conditions.