1. Reproduction Introduction
Asexual reproduction:
The prefix “A” comes from the Greek language and means without.
The term asexual means without to cross which really doesn’t make sense but it is also defined as without crossing.
Asexual organisms make an exact copy of themselves, like a photocopy.
Is there much variation (different genes) in a group of paramecia ? No. Paramecia offspring are all identical to the parent (cell that divides) genetically because there is no combination of traits or genes.
The offspring is usually smaller because of cell division
Propagation is taking “cuttings” from plants at the right places so it can regrow into a new plant

2. Reproduction Introduction
Sexual reproduction:
Sexual reproduction means to “to cross”.
Sexual reproduction means that two parents combine parts of their genetic material (DNA).The male contributes a copy of half his genetic material and the female contributes a copy of half of her genetic material.
The “baby” that is born is called the offspring.
In a very basic way, the offspring get half their traits from each parent.
Because of the way the male and female copy their own genetic material and the way they are combined each offspring is different.

3. Reproduction Introduction
Circle the correct type of reproduction: 1. Mammal Sexual Asexual Both 2. Insect Sexual Asexual Both 3. Fish Sexual Asexual Both 4. Plants Sexual Asexual Both 5. Bacteria Sexual Asexual Both mixing DNA

4. Go to page 11

5. Sexual vs. Asexual Reproduction
Types of Reproduction
Sexual vs. Asexual Reproduction

6. Reproduction
In order to be considered alive, organisms must be able to reproduce
Reproduction is the ability to produce offspring that are similar to the parents.
Offspring - the product of reproduction. The “child” or “baby”.
There are two possible ways the organisms can reproduce:
Asexual reproduction
Sexual reproduction

7. Asexual Reproduction
Asexual reproduction: reproduction where an organism makes an exact copy of itself and splits to become two separate organisms
Asexual reproduction is characterized by:
Only 1 parent
Parent and offspring are identical genetic copies
Copying mistake (genetic mutations) can occur
A small, limited gene pool (little variation)
Requires less energy

8. Asexual reproducers: Bacteria Hydra (simple sea animals)
Microscopic organisms (paramecium, amoeba)

9. Types of Asexual Reproduction
Budding
Fragmentation
Propagation
Regeneration
Binary Fission
Others…

10. Budding
Process by which a new, duplicate plant or animal begins to form at the side of the parent and enlarges until an individual is created.
Common in some plants and hydra

11. Fragmentation
In this type of reproduction, the body of the parent breaks into distinct pieces, each of which can produce an offspring.
Common in some types worms like Planaria

12. Propagation
Part of the parent cell is cut off and can grow into a new individual.
Common in certain plants.

13. Regeneration
If a piece of a parent is detached, it can grow and develop into a completely new individual.
It is a common feature in invertebrates like starfish.

14. Binary Fission
Separation of one organism into two new organisms by mitosis.
Only in single celled organisms like bacteria and protists.

15. Sexual Reproduction
Sexual reproduction: reproduction where two organisms’ genetic information (DNA) combines in a single, new offspring
Sexual reproduction is characterized by:
Two parents (male and female)
Combination of egg and sperm cells
Genetic information gets mixed
Large gene pool (lots of variation in traits)

16. Sexual reproducers Mammals, Fish, Reptiles, Birds, Most Insects
Most Plants
Large, complex organisms

17. BOTH Asexual and Sexual Reproduction
Some organisms can use both types of reproduction. There are advantages to each method.
Most organism switch to the type of reproduction that is best for their current situation.
Examples:
organisms that can regenerate - star fish, newts, worms
Some plants – Daffodil, Cactus
Fungi – Mushrooms

18. Advantages and Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction
Less energy required
Don’t need to find a partner
Very Quick (Have several offspring in a short amount of time)
Less resources required
DISADVANTAGES
Need a stable environment
Sensitive to their environment
Limited amount of traits available
No mixing of DNA

19. Advantages and Disadvantages of Sexual Reproduction
Don’t need a stable environment
Varied genetically (Many traits to choose from)
Mixing of DNA; endless possibilities of traits.
DISADVANTAGES
Need to find a partner
Requires more energy
Smaller amount of offspring
More resources needed.