Question

Asexual reproduction in Hydra takes place by
A) Binary fission
B) Budding
C) Fragmentation
D) Both B and C

Answer 1

Budding is the type of asexual reproduction. It involves the formation of a protuberance, i.e. a small outgrowth, which later grows into a new individual. Hydra follows this type of reproduction.

Complete answer: Asexual reproduction in Hydra takes place by budding. Budding is the reproduction technique which produces new young hydra from the small part of the parent body. It is attached to the parent till it grows and this young one is identical to the parent one. Hydra has regenerative cells which are used in the reproduction process to grow as a new young one. The outgrowth seen on the lateral side during the asexual reproduction (budding) is called protuberances. These outgrowths show the start of the asexual reproduction. It is called budding because there is the formation of buds which grow into young ones. The nutrition for the growing bud is acquired from the parent body itself. Growth starts from first developing the small tentacles and their mouth. After it gets mature, the young bud is detached from the parent body and starts to live as an independent organism.
Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note: Binary fission and fragmentation are both reproduction modes which involve splitting of the organism. The fragmentation can be more than two pieces and each piece develops into an organism. The binary fission is splitting into only two equal daughter cells. It is mostly observed in bacteria. All of these are examples of asexual reproduction.