Final answer:
The correct answer to the question is that asexual reproduction involves only one parent and the offspring are genetically identical to that parent, producing clones of the original.
Step-by-step explanation:
The direct answer to the question is: (b) one parent; offspring identical. Asexual reproduction, which requires only one parent, results in offspring that are genetically identical to that parent. This type of reproduction is seen across various organisms, including some eukaryotes like certain insects, fish, and reptiles, as well as all prokaryotes. In asexual reproduction, methods such as binary fission, budding, fragmentation, or parthenogenesis are employed, where the genetic material of the parent is replicated to form new offspring.
These offspring are considered clones because they bear the exact genetic makeup as the parent. This form of reproduction is especially advantageous in stable environments, where genetic consistency can ensure the success of the offspring. Hence, the correct answer emphasizes the singularity of the parent involved and the genetic identity between the parent and the offspring.