Reproduction types

The types of reproduction of living beings are the mechanisms by which individuals (unicellular and multicellular) produce new individuals and the species propagates. In general terms there are two types of reproduction: asexual and sexual; each one presents different strategies.

	Asexual	Sexual
Definition	Reproduction of an individual being	Reproduction that involves the fusion of two gametes to form a zygote, from which a new individual develops.
Processes involved	Mitosis Regeneration	Meiosis Fertilization Pollination (plants)
Types	Binary fission (cell division) Gemmation Sporulation Fragmentation Vegetative multiplication Parthenogenesis	Animals Autogamy External fertilization Internal fertilization Plants Flowers (angiosperms) Male microspores and female megaspores (gymnosperms)
Genetic diversity	Identical to the parent individual: clones.	Combination of genetic information from both parents.
Energy expenditure	Under	High
Biological evolution	It does not allow the evolution of the species.	Allows the evolution of species.

What is asexual reproduction?

Asexual reproduction is any form of reproduction where an individual produces an exact copy of himself. In this type of reproduction:

• there is no formation of gametes or sex cells;
• there is no fertilization or fusion of gametes;
• occurs in bacteria, archaea, protozoa, fungi, plants and animals.

Types of asexual reproduction

There are different reproductive strategies that do not involve the participation of two individuals of different sex. Let's see.

Binary fission

Binary fission is the method by which prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and some protozoa produce new individuals that are genetically identical to the parent organism. In this case, the genetic material is duplicated and then separated into two daughter cells with the same genetic identity..

For single-celled organisms, cell division is the only method used to produce new individuals. For example, in amoebas, paramecia, and planarians.

Gemmation

Budding is a form of asexual reproduction where the organism produces one or more buds or buds, which grow and then separate to form a new organism. Organisms that reproduce in this way are yeasts, freshwater hydras, and sea anemones..

Sporulation

Sporulation is a form of asexual reproduction that consists of the formation of reproductive cells or spores, from which a new individual can originate. It occurs in molds.

Fragmentation

Fragmentation consists of the separation of parts of the body, each one originating a new individual through regeneration. For example, in starfish, algae, and plants.

Parthenogenesis

Another form of asexual reproduction is parthenogenesis or the formation of new individuals exclusively from the development of female gametes. For example, rose aphids, bees and wasps,

Vegetative multiplication

Vegetative multiplication is particularly important as a method of asexual reproduction in plants. It consists of the formation of new beings from the development of certain plant structures, such as roots, bulbs, trunks and leaves. For example, garlic, strawberry, and sweet potato.

What is sexual reproduction?

Sexual reproduction is the form of reproduction in which two individuals of different sex of the same species participate. This reproduction implies:

• the production of haploid sex cells;
• the fertilization or fusion of two sex cells to form a diploid cell called a zygote.
• Vertebrate animals can only reproduce sexually.

Types of sexual reproduction in animals

Autogamy

Autogamy is a form of sexual reproduction where the same individual presents both female and male gametes. These individuals are also known as hermaphrodites, they have the reproductive system of both sexes. This type of reproduction is achieved in worms.

External fertilization

External fertilization implies that female and male gametes are outside the body of organisms. It is usually carried out in a liquid medium in most aquatic species such as fish or in amphibians, such as the frog.

Internal fertilization

Internal fertilization is that which occurs within the body of one of the individuals, usually the female of the species, after the male deposits the sperm into the female reproductive system. This is the fertilization of birds and mammals, mainly.

Types of sexual reproduction in plants

Sexual reproduction in angiosperms: flowers

Angiosperms represent 90% of the plant species on Earth. The most representative evolutionary characteristic of angiosperms are the flowers, which contain the reproductive organs of the plant.

The sexual reproduction of plants begins with the landing of the pollen grain, which carries the male gametes, on the surface of the stigma, the entrance for the female gamete. The fusion of the gametes initiates the development of the seed within the fruit.

Sexual reproduction in gymnosperms: seeds without flowers

Gymnosperms group conifers: pines and other related plants. These plants do not have flowers as such, but structures called cones or cones, which produce both male and female spores..

It may interest you Diploid and haploid cells.