Asexual Reproduction Practice Questions
20 free Asexual Reproduction practice questions for the NCERT Biology. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
In Amoeba, the process of binary fission involves the division of the nucleus followed by the division of the cytoplasm. This type of division is specifically known as:
- A Budding from the parent cell
- B Amitosis
- C Fragmentation into fragments
- D Sporulation via spores
Correct answer: Amitosis
Binary fission in unicellular organisms like Amoeba occurs through simple cell division (amitosis or mitosis). The parent cell divides into two equal halves, each rapidly growing into an adult.
Which of the following organisms undergoes binary fission during favorable conditions?
- A Hydra polyp
- B Paramecium
- C Spirogyra filament
- D Sponges (Porifera)
Correct answer: Paramecium
Paramecium is a ciliate protist that reproduces asexually by transverse binary fission. This ensures a rapid increase in population size when environmental conditions are optimal.
During unfavorable conditions, Amoeba withdraws its pseudopodia and secretes a three-layered hard shell around itself. This phenomenon is called:
- A Fragmentation
- B Encystation
- C Budding outgrowth
- D Binary fission
Correct answer: Encystation
Encystation is a protective mechanism where the organism forms a cyst to survive harsh environments. When conditions return to normal, the encysted Amoeba undergoes multiple fission.
In Yeast, the division is unequal and small projections are produced that remain attached initially to the parent cell. These projections are called:
- A Zoospores
- B Gemmules
- C Buds (outgrowths)
- D Conidia
Correct answer: Buds (outgrowths)
Yeast reproduces by budding, where a small outgrowth or 'bud' forms on the parent cell. After nuclear division, the bud eventually detaches to become a new individual.
Which of the following is a multicellular animal that reproduces through external budding?
- A Amoeba (Protist)
- B Hydra (Cnidaria)
- C Plasmodium
- D Bacteria
Correct answer: Hydra (Cnidaria)
Hydra uses regenerative cells to form a bud on its external body surface. This bud develops into a tiny individual, develops a mouth and tentacles, and eventually detaches.
Fragmentation is a mode of asexual reproduction commonly observed in which of the following filamentous algae?
- A Chlamydomonas
- B Spirogyra
- C Volvox
- D Fucus
Correct answer: Spirogyra
Spirogyra is a filamentous green alga that breaks into two or more fragments upon reaching maturity. Each fragment subsequently grows into a new complete filament.
If the body of an animal like Planaria breaks into several pieces, each piece can develop into a complete organism. This ability is known as:
- A Binary fission
- B Budding
- C Fragmentation
- D Encystation
Correct answer: Fragmentation
Planaria exhibits true regeneration alongside fragmentation. Any part of the body that is cut or broken off can regrow all missing organs to form a new worm.
Which of the following statements regarding binary fission is FALSE?
- A It is a form of asexual reproduction that never produces clones.
- B The offspring produced are genetic clones of the parent.
- C It involves the fusion of male and female gametes.
- D The parent identity is lost as it divides into two equal cells.
Correct answer: It involves the fusion of male and female gametes.
Binary fission does not involve gametes or fertilization; it is strictly an asexual process. It results in two genetically identical daughter cells.
The 'eyes' of a potato tuber used for vegetative propagation represent:
- A Flower buds
- B Axillary buds
- C Root nodules
- D Adventitious roots
Correct answer: Axillary buds
The 'eyes' of a potato are actually nodes containing axillary buds. When planted, these buds sprout to form the shoot system of a new plant.
In which of the following organisms does the parent cell itself act as the reproductive unit, effectively making them 'immortal' in biological terms?
- A Multicellular animals
- B Single-celled organisms
- C Higher plants with meristems
- D Fungi with spores
Correct answer: Single-celled organisms
In single-celled organisms, cell division is synonymous with reproduction. Since the parent cell divides to become the offspring, there is no 'natural death' of the parent body.
Identify the organism that reproduces by fragmentation and belongs to the Kingdom Fungi:
- A Rhizopus (Bread mould)
- B Hydra (Cnidaria)
- C Amoeba (Protist)
- D Leishmania parasite
Correct answer: Rhizopus (Bread mould)
Rhizopus, like many fungi, can reproduce via fragmentation of its hyphae. Each fragment that lands on a suitable substrate grows into a new mycelium.
Asexual reproduction through budding is found in which of the following groups?
- A Only animals like Hydra and Planaria
- B Only plants and algae
- C Both Yeast (Fungi) and Hydra (Animals)
- D Only bacteria and archaea
Correct answer: Both Yeast (Fungi) and Hydra (Animals)
Budding is a versatile asexual method found in unicellular fungi like Yeast and multicellular animals like Hydra. In both cases, the offspring begins as an outgrowth.
What is the primary difference between binary fission and budding?
- A Binary fission is a sexual process producing genetically varied offspring.
- B Binary fission splits into two equal halves; budding forms a small outgrowth.
- C Binary fission occurs only in multicellular plant cells, never in animals.
- D Budding involves formation of a protective cyst before a new cell emerges.
Correct answer: Binary fission splits into two equal halves; budding forms a small outgrowth.
In binary fission, the parent cell splits into two roughly equal-sized individuals. In budding, cytoplasm division is unequal, starting with a small bud on the parent that grows and detaches.
Multiple fission is a process observed in which human pathogen during its life cycle?
- A Plasmodium
- B Hydra
- C Planaria
- D Bread mould
Correct answer: Plasmodium
Plasmodium, the malarial parasite, undergoes multiple fission (schizogony) within human red blood cells and liver cells. This allows one parent cell to produce many daughter cells simultaneously.
Which of the following organisms uses fragmentation as a method of vegetative propagation?
- A Bryophyllum leaf buds
- B Mosses (Protonema stage)
- C Potato stem tubers
- D Ginger rhizomes
Correct answer: Mosses (Protonema stage)
The protonema of mosses can easily break into fragments. Each of these fragments is capable of developing into a new leafy gametophore.
Longitudinal binary fission is a characteristic feature of which organism?
- A Amoeba
- B Euglena
- C Paramecium
- D Hydra
Correct answer: Euglena
Euglena divides along its longitudinal axis starting from the anterior end. This is a specific form of binary fission distinct from the transverse fission of Paramecium.
The asexual reproductive structures in Sponges are internal buds called:
- A Buds
- B Gemmules
- C Zoospores
- D Conidia
Correct answer: Gemmules
Gemmules are internal buds produced by sponges to survive unfavorable conditions. They consist of archaeocytes surrounded by a protective layer of spicules.
Which of the following represents a mismatch between organism and its reproductive method?
- A Amoeba - Binary fission
- B Hydra - Budding
- C Spirogyra - Fragmentation
- D Yeast - Zoospores
Correct answer: Yeast - Zoospores
Yeast reproduces via budding, not zoospores. Zoospores are motile asexual spores common in algae like Chlamydomonas and some fungi.
The process by which an entire organism is discarded and replaced by new growth from a fragment is often considered:
- A Sexual reproduction requiring gamete fusion
- B A form of asexual reproduction
- C Senescence leading to organism death
- D Binary fission of the parent cell
Correct answer: A form of asexual reproduction
Fragmentation followed by regeneration is classified as asexual reproduction. It allows for population increase without the need for gametic fusion.
In the context of NCERT terminology, asexual reproduction in plants is frequently referred to as:
- A Amphimixis (sexual fusion)
- B Vegetative reproduction
- C Parthenogenesis (gamete)
- D Syngamy (gamete fusion)
Correct answer: Vegetative reproduction
Vegetative reproduction or propagation is the term used for asexual reproduction in plants using parts like roots, stems, or leaves. It produces offspring that are clones of the parent.