reprodukción

Reproducción refers to the biological process by which new individual organisms, or offspring, are produced from their "parents". Reproduction is a fundamental feature of all known life. There are two main types of reproduction: asexual and sexual.

Asexual reproduction is a method of reproduction that involves only one parent and produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. This method is common in single-celled organisms such as bacteria and archaea, and also occurs in some multicellular organisms like plants and fungi. Examples include binary fission, budding, and vegetative propagation.

Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes, typically from two parents, to create a new genetically unique offspring. This process introduces genetic variation, which can be advantageous for adaptation and evolution. In animals, gametes are usually sperm and egg cells. In plants, pollen and ovules serve this role. After fertilization, a zygote is formed, which develops into an embryo.

The ability to reproduce is essential for the continuation of any species. The specific mechanisms of reproduction vary greatly across the diverse forms of life on Earth, reflecting a wide range of evolutionary strategies. Understanding reproduction is key to comprehending population dynamics, genetics, and the broader principles of biology.