GED Science Practice

What is a definition of asexual reproduction?

1. One of a group of "minor planets" between Mars and Jupiter

2. The breaking down of an atomic nucleus into two or more parts with a great release of energy

3. Producing offspring without union of individual or germ cells

4. An upper chamber of the heart that receives blood from the veins

The correct answer is: Producing offspring without union of individual or germ cells

Asexual reproduction is defined as the process of producing offspring without the need for the union of individual or germ cells. This means that a single organism can reproduce independently, giving rise to genetically identical offspring, often referred to as clones. This method of reproduction can occur through various means such as budding, fragmentation, or binary fission, which are all distinct processes that enable an organism to proliferate without engaging in the more complex mechanisms of sexual reproduction that involve the fusion of male and female gametes. In the context of the other choices, they relate to entirely different biological and scientific concepts. For instance, the option regarding "minor planets" pertains to celestial bodies in our solar system, while the choice about breaking down atomic nuclei refers to nuclear fission, a fundamental concept in nuclear physics. Lastly, the option related to the heart describes the atrium, a component of the circulatory system, which has no direct connection to reproduction. Thus, the correct definition of asexual reproduction is accurately represented by the choice that highlights the process of offspring production without germ cell union.