Animal Reproduction

The question describes a small outgrowth forming on the parent's body that detaches to become a new individual. This is the defining feature of one specific type of asexual reproduction.

Budding is the process where a small outgrowth (bud) forms on the parent body, develops structures like tentacles and a mouth, and eventually detaches to form a genetically identical new organism. Hydra is the classic animal example of budding.

The description perfectly matches budding. The offspring produced is a clone of the parent — genetically identical — which is characteristic of all asexual reproduction.

We need to identify which type of asexual reproduction involves a small outgrowth forming on the parent that later detaches as a new individual.

Fragmentation involves the parent breaking into pieces, each of which can regenerate into a new organism. The question describes a small outgrowth — not the parent breaking apart — so this is incorrect.

Parthenogenesis involves an unfertilised egg developing into a new individual. There is no egg involved in this scenario — the outgrowth develops directly from the parent's body wall.

Fission involves the organism splitting into two or more roughly equal parts. The scenario describes a small outgrowth, not the parent splitting — so fission does not apply.

Budding is the only option that matches: a small outgrowth forms on the parent, develops, and detaches. This is precisely how Hydra reproduces asexually.

The critical clue is unfertilised eggs developing into new individuals. This distinguishes one specific form of asexual reproduction from all the others.

Parthenogenesis is defined as the development of a new individual from an unfertilised egg. Aphids are a listed example of animals that use this strategy, especially during periods when rapid population growth is advantageous.

The answer is parthenogenesis. No mate is required, and no fertilisation occurs — the egg develops on its own, producing offspring that are clones of the mother.

We need to identify which form of asexual reproduction involves unfertilised eggs developing into new individuals.

Budding involves outgrowths from the parent's body — no eggs are involved. This does not match the description.

Longitudinal fission involves the organism splitting lengthways into two parts — for example, sea anemones. Eggs are not involved, so this is wrong.

Fragmentation involves the parent breaking into pieces that regenerate into new individuals. There are no broken fragments in this scenario — only eggs.

Parthenogenesis is the correct answer — it is specifically defined as the development of a new organism from an unfertilised egg, which is exactly what the aphid is doing.