What is the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction? Give examples of each.

Asexual reproduction: One parent only, offspring are genetically identical clones, faster, no mate needed. Examples: Binary fission in bacteria (splits in two), Budding in Hydra and yeast, Spore formation in fungi and ferns, Vegetative propagation in plants (potato tubers, onion bulbs, runners in strawberry). Sexual reproduction: Two parents, offspring have mix of genetic material, slower, requires mate, creates genetic variation. Examples: Humans, animals, flowering plants. Advantages of asexual: fast colonisation of environment, no energy wasted finding mate. Advantages of sexual: genetic variation helps species adapt to changing environments, reduces risk of disease wiping out entire population. Bacteria can evolve quickly via other mechanisms (conjugation) even though they divide asexually.