Uniparental reproduction is (always)

Options

A. Sexual reproduction
B. vegetative reproduction
C. Asexual reproduction
D. 2 and 3

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Uniparental Reproduction**:
- The term "uniparental" means reproduction involving a single parent. The prefix "uni" indicates one, and "parental" refers to the parent organism.

2. **Characteristics of Uniparental Reproduction**:
- In uniparental reproduction, the offspring are produced from one parent organism without the involvement of gametes. This means that fertilization does not occur.

3. **Types of Uniparental Reproduction**:
- Uniparental reproduction can be classified into two main types: vegetative reproduction and asexual reproduction.
- **Vegetative Reproduction**: In this process, parts of the plant (such as leaves, stems, or roots) develop into new individual plants. Examples include cuttings and tubers.
- **Asexual Reproduction**: This encompasses various methods such as:
- **Sporulation**: Formation and dispersal of spores.
- **Budding**: New individuals develop from an outgrowth of the parent.
- **Fragmentation**: The parent organism breaks into fragments, each capable of growing into a new organism.
- **Binary Fission**: A single organism divides into two or more parts.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Since uniparental reproduction does not involve fertilization or gametes, it is classified as a form of asexual reproduction. Therefore, uniparental reproduction is always asexual in nature.

**Final Answer**: Uniparental reproduction is always asexual.

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