Final answer:
Asexual reproduction requires only one parent and results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent, as seen in certain insects, fish, reptiles, and some eukaryotic organisms including bacteria. This is different from sexual reproduction, which combines the genetic material from two parents to create genetically unique offspring.
Step-by-step explanation:
Distinguishing Between Sexual and Asexual Reproduction
Reproduction that does not involve the fusion of male and female gametes and only requires one parent is known as asexual reproduction. In asexual reproduction, the offspring are genetically identical to the parent and share the same DNA without the mixture of genetic material from two different organisms. This is in contrast to sexual reproduction, which involves two parents and the combination of their genetic material to create genetically unique offspring. Parthenogenesis is an example of asexual reproduction found in certain animals where progeny can develop from a gamete without fertilization, meaning these offspring have only one parent.
Some examples of asexual reproduction methods include binary fission, fragmentation, and budding. The advantage of asexual reproduction is the quick and simple process that doesn't require finding a mate, but the disadvantage is the lack of genetic diversity, which can make organisms more susceptible to diseases if the parent has a genetic defect. Sexual reproduction, on the other hand, creates diversity due to the mix of traits from both parents.