What is a characteristic of asexual reproduction?

A characteristic of asexual reproduction is that the offspring are genetically identical to the parent organism. This type of reproduction involves a single parent that produces offspring through processes such as binary fission, budding, or vegetative propagation, which do not introduce genetic variation. As a result, all offspring are clones of the parent, sharing the same genetic makeup. This method of reproduction is advantageous in stable environments where the parent’s traits are well-suited for survival, allowing for rapid population growth.

In contrast, a requirement for two parents is typically associated with sexual reproduction, which introduces genetic variation. When offspring look different, it often indicates genetic diversity, which is characteristic of sexual reproduction as well. Finally, meiosis is a process that leads to the production of gametes for sexual reproduction, rather than a characteristic of asexual reproduction, which relies on mitosis or other simpler processes for creating offspring.