Microstomum reproduced by:

Options

A. Binary fission
B. Multiple fission
C. Fragmentation
D. Budding

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Microstomum**: Microstomum is a type of free-living flatworm. It is important to know the organism we are dealing with to understand its reproduction method.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option 1: Binary Fission**: This is a form of asexual reproduction where an organism divides into two equal parts. While this is a common method of reproduction in many organisms, it is not the primary method for Microstomum.

- **Option 2: Multiple Fission**: This process involves a single parent cell dividing into multiple daughter cells. This method is often seen in certain bacteria and is not applicable to Microstomum.

- **Option 3: Fragmentation**: This is a method of asexual reproduction where the organism breaks into fragments, and each fragment can develop into a new organism. This is indeed the correct method of reproduction for Microstomum.

- **Option 4: Budding**: In this process, a new organism develops from an outgrowth or bud on the parent organism. This is not how Microstomum reproduces.

3. **Conclusion**: After analyzing all the options, the correct answer is that Microstomum reproduces by **fragmentation**.

**Final Answer**: Microstomum reproduces by fragmentation.

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