Question

Match the following:

Section-A	Section-B
1 Fission	i Spirogyra
2 Fragmentation	ii Paramecium
3 Regeneration	iii Mucor
4 Spore-formation	iv Planaria

A. 1- iv 2-iii 3-ii 4-i
B. 1-ii 2-i 3-iv 4-iii
C. 1-ii 2-iii 3-iv 4-i
D. 1-iii 2-iv 3-i 4-ii

Answer 1

Asexual reproduction is the type of reproduction which does not involve the gametes or the sex cells. Asexual reproduction gives rise to genetically identical offsprings and there is no variation in the offsprings which is the main disadvantage of it. The advantage is the ease of reproduction.

Complete answer:
Let’s first understand the meaning of the different types of asexual reproduction that is given in the Section-A in the question.
Fission:
Fission is a type of asexual reproduction where the parent organism separates or splits to form new organism. This can happen in two ways namely binary fission and multiple fission. In binary fission, the parent organisms split into two and in multiple fission it splits into many individuals.
Fragmentation:
Fragmentation is similar to fission but the difference is that in fragmentation, the parent body breaks into fragments and these fragments grow into different individuals.
Regeneration:
Regeneration is a phenomenon where the organisms are capable of regrowing certain parts of the body. Regeneration is mainly due to mitosis. Organisms like Hydra use regeneration to grow bus-like outgrowths which then grow and develop into a miniature hydra.
Spore formation:
Spore is a type of asexual reproductive structure found in fungi, algae and even in ferns. Spores are haploid structures which can grow and develop fully into a whole organism.
Now let’s see the type of asexual reproduction seen in the organisms mentioned in Section-B.
Spirogyra: Spirogyra reproduce both asexually and sexually. The asexual reproduction is carried out by fragmentation in Spirogyra.
Paramecium: Paramecium is a unicellular organism resembling a shoe sole that reproduces asexually by binary fission.
Planaria: Planaria is a flatworm which has the capacity to regenerate its lost parts. The adult organism breaks off a part of its tail and it allows regeneration and the end result is two worms.
Mucor: Mucor is a filamentous fungus which causes infections in amphibians, mammals and plants. Mucor reproduces asexually by spores.
So, the correct answer is “Option b”.

Note:
There is no necessity that an organism needs to have only one mode of reproduction. Some organisms can have both alternating sexual and asexual reproduction. Rapid multiplication and growth happen in asexual reproduction but they require sexual reproduction because there is variation seen because of the involvement of male and female gametes.