Final answer:
Reproduction is the biological process through which organisms produce new individuals. It includes two types: asexual, resulting in clones of the parent, and sexual, involving the combination of genetic material from two parents leading to diverse offspring.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term reproduction refers to the biological process by which new individual organisms are produced. There are two main types of reproduction: asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction. In asexual reproduction, an organism can reproduce without the involvement of another organism, leading to offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. Examples of asexual reproduction include binary fission, budding, and vegetative propagation. On the other hand, sexual reproduction involves two organisms, typically from opposite sexes, who combine genetic material to produce offspring that possess a mix of traits from both parents. This process generally includes the formation of gametes (sex cells), fertilization, and development of the embryo. Reproduction ensures the continuity of species and contributes to genetic diversity.