Question

In which of the following organism fragmentation occurs?
A) Ferns
B) Mosses
C) Hydra
D) Algae
E) All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The splitting of cells into two parts and generate new bodies from the split part is known as fragmentation. Each fragment develops into a mature clone genetically and morphologically identical to its parent, it is a type of reproduction in lower organisms.

Complete answer:
The process of fragmentation is one of the most important mechanisms of reproduction that mostly occur in a multicellular organism (i.e. the organism which contain more than one cell). In Reproductive Biology, fragmentation refers to the process by which a living organism split into two parts that later grow identical to the original organism. The various bodies or parts that are formed due to such a process are referred to as fragments and defines asexual reproduction.

Fragmentation is found in both animals and plants. Some of the common examples where the mode of reproduction occurs via fragmentation are Fungi, lichens, worms, starfishes, acoel flatworms, and sponges are. Ferns, mosses, hydra, algae all these organisms show fragmentation. In the case of plants, fragmentation is also known as vegetative reproduction.

The prime advantage of fragmentation is that it can be achieved with only a single parent as mating between male and female is not required. The whole cycle of reproduction takes place by the formation of the fragments from the bodies of the parent organism. These fragments grow and transform into new identical organisms. The second important advantage is that the reproduction cycle can be achieved in a relatively less amount of time.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘E’.

Note: Asexual reproduction is carried out by a single parent and due to this only one parent traits, genes and characteristics will be passed on to the new generation. Without much genetic diversity, the next generation tends to be very identical to the parent.