Final answer:
Asexual reproduction involves (Option b) offspring production from a single parent and results in genetically identical offspring. It can occur through mechanisms such as binary fission, budding, fragmentation, or parthenogenesis in certain animals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Asexual reproduction occurs when offspring are produced by and receive genetic material from only one parent. This type of reproduction does not involve the fusion of gametes, and the resulting offspring are genetically identical to the parent. Examples of asexual reproduction include budding, fragmentation, and binary fission, and it can be found in many prokaryotic microorganisms as well as some eukaryotic, single-celled and multi-celled organisms. In some rare cases, vertebrates may reproduce asexually through a process known as parthenogenesis, where unfertilized eggs develop into new offspring.