Question

organisms can reproduce asexually or sexually. which step describes asexual rather than sexual reproduction?
a the sperm fertilizes the egg to produce a zygote.
b egg and sperm receive chromosomes from each parent.
c in some organisms, a piece of the parent may bud off to produce offspring.
d the zygote undergoes cell division and cell differentiation to become a new and different organism from the parents

Explanation:

• Option A: Sperm fertilizing egg (zygote formation) is a key step in sexual reproduction as it involves gamete (sex - cell) fusion.
• Option B: Eggs and sperms receiving chromosomes from each parent implies genetic contribution from two parents, which is characteristic of sexual reproduction.
• Option C: A piece of the parent budding off (like in yeast or hydra) is a form of asexual reproduction. In asexual reproduction, offspring are produced from a single parent without the involvement of gametes.
• Option D: Zygote development (from sexual reproduction) leads to a new organism. The fact that it is a zygote (product of sperm - egg fusion) means it is from sexual reproduction.

Answer:

C. In some organisms, a piece of the parent may bud off to produce offspring.