Question

What is a fragment?

Answer 1

Hint: A fragment is a part or a structure that is produced during the process of fragmentation which is through asexual reproduction. Each fragment gets developed into a mature clone that is genetically and morphologically identical to the parent.

Complete answer:
The process of segmentation includes the splitting of cells into two parts which make new bodies known as fragments and it is a method of asexual reproduction or vegetative propagation. The organism develops specific organs into them or zones which can be shed or be broken easily. The fragments can regenerate the complete organism if the splitting occurs without the preparation of the organism and its function as reproduction. Cyanobacteria, moulds, sea stars, lichens, sponges etc show the method of reproduction which is fragmentation in them and are filamentous. Some species of fungi produce tiny filaments known as hyphae which obtain food and nutrients from the body of other organisms for their growth and fertilization.
The colonies of coral and sponges consist of fragments and reproduce through fragmentation. Some developmental changes produce the splitting which is termed as orchiectomy which is the split of an animal at a particular point and the regeneration of the two fragments which are the missing organs and tissues. Some coral colonies get increased in number through fragmentation which occurs naturally or artificially. Fissiparity is referred to as fragmentation in echinoderms which reproduce in a manner through autotomy.

Note:
Fragmentation is a type of asexual reproduction which do not produce genetic diversity in the offsprings and make it more vulnerable for this species to changing environment diseases and parasites.