Question

starfish reproduction
starfish, sometimes referred to as sea stars, have some of the most fascinating reproductive practices in the marine ecosystem, which highlights the adaptability of starfish to various ocean environments. starfish have reproductive processes that fall into two categories: sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction, both of which demonstrate how the creature adapts in order to survive and thrive.
for sexual reproduction, starfish fuse male and female gametes, or cells dedicated to the reproductive process. most species of sea stars have male and female sexes, though some exhibit hermaphroditism, which means that they have both male and female reproductive organs. only species with male and female sexes participate in sexual reproduction, which involves both male and female starfish to release gametes into the water. they rely on external fertilization, meaning that the eggs fertilize in the water.
once the eggs are fertilized, they develop into free - swimming larvae. the larvae then drift through the water in what is known as the planktonic phase, which can last several weeks or even months. at the end of this phase, the larvae settle onto the sea floor and undergo a transformation, morphing into juvenile starfish that look like miniature versions of adult starfish without fully developed arms.
another type of asexual reproduction involves fragmentation, which happens when a starfish reproduces by splitting itself into multiple pieces, or fragments.
what is the most likely meaning of the word fragmentation as it is used in this sentence from the passage?
a separated from the central disc
b breaking apart to reproduce
c regenerating an arm that has broken off
d reproduction with female and male gametes

Explanation:

The passage states that "Another type of asexual reproduction involves fragmentation, which happens when a starfish reproduces by splitting itself into multiple pieces, or fragments." So fragmentation here means breaking apart to reproduce.

Answer:

B. breaking apart to reproduce