Final answer:
Asexual reproduction results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent, as seen in bacteria, starfish, yeasts, and some insects, fish, and lizards. It is advantageous in stable environments for rapidly producing large populations, though it may be less advantageous in rapidly changing environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Asexual reproduction is a process where an organism can reproduce and give rise to offspring without the involvement of a second organism. It's a method where the offspring are genetically identical to the single parent. Examples include bacteria reproducing by binary fission, starfish reproducing through fragmentation, and yeasts reproducing by budding. Additionally, some insects, fish, and lizards can engage in parthenogenesis, where an unfertilized egg develops into a new individual.
Asexual reproduction is most successful in a stable environment since the identical offspring produced are well-adapted to current conditions. It allows for rapid population growth which can be advantageous under favorable conditions. In contrast, environments that change rapidly or are unpredictable can be challenging for asexually reproducing species due to a lack of genetic variation among offspring. This is why organisms may also engage in sexual reproduction, which, while more complex, creates new genetic combinations that can be beneficial for survival in changing environments.