Question

Which set of organisms multiply through fragmentation? (a) Planaria, hydra, yeast (b) Echinoderms, fungi, bacteria (c) Fungi, filamentous algae, protonema of mosses (d) Amoeba, hydra, virus

Short answer

The set of organisms that multiply through fragmentation are fungi, filamentous algae, and protonema of mosses option (c).

Step-by-step solution

Defining Fragmentation

Fragmentation is a form of asexual reproduction wherein a new organism is created from a fragment of the parent. Any body part that is separated from the parent organism has the potential to develop into a new organism.

Examining the Organisms

With the understanding of fragmentation, let's go through the selections one by one. In (a), planaria and hydra do reproduce by fragmentation, but yeast primarily reproduces through budding. In option (b), echinoderms and bacteria don't reproduce by fragmentation whereas fungi can. In option (d), amoeba and viruses don't reproduce via fragmentation.

Selecting the Correct Set of Organisms

Reviewing option (c) -fungi, filamentous algae, and protonema of mosses-, it's evident that all these organisms undergo fragmentation. Fungi have broken fungal hyphae that can grow into new mature individuals. Filamentous algae and protonema of mosses also reproduce by fragmentation, where a minor portion of the plant body develops into a new organism. Hence, this is the correct option.

Key concepts

Understanding Asexual Reproduction

Asexual reproduction is a fascinating and vital phenomenon where an organism produces offspring without the genetic contribution from another organism. Unlike sexual reproduction, which involves the fusion of gametes from two parents, asexual reproduction only requires one parent, leading to genetically identical offspring, or clones.

A wide range of organisms, including bacteria, plants, and even some animals, reproduce asexually through various methods. For instance, binary fission in bacteria, where a single cell divides into two identical cells, and budding in yeasts, where a new organism grows out of the parent's body and eventually detaches, are both examples of asexual reproduction.

In the context of the given exercise, fragmentation is highlighted. It's a process where an organism's body part, separating from the main body, develops into a new individual. This mode of reproduction is advantageous in stable and favorable environments where genetic diversity isn't a pressing requirement for survival. Fragmentation is commonly observed in organisms like fungi, filamentous algae, and protonema of mosses.

NEET Preparation for Biology

Preparing for competitive exams like the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) requires a thorough understanding of concepts across all biological topics, including organism reproduction methods. Concepts of asexual reproduction, such as fragmentation, sporulation, and budding, often feature as important points.

For successful NEET preparation, it's crucial to grasp these reproductive strategies in depth, not only for their theoretical importance but also for their application in various biological phenomena and their implications in ecology and evolution.

Students should employ active learning techniques such as creating detailed notes, drawing diagrams, and solving previous years' question papers to reinforce their understanding. Clarifying complex topics by seeking help from knowledgeable resources or teachers can be instrumental in ensuring that all conceptual queries regarding asexual reproduction, its types, and examples are resolved.

Diverse Reproduction Methods in Organisms

The methods by which organisms reproduce are as diverse as the organisms themselves. These methods range broadly from the simple, asexual processes to the complex, sexual reproductive behaviors.

Apart from fragmentation, other forms of asexual reproduction include regeneration seen in starfish, vegetative propagation in plants, such as runners in strawberries, and parthenogenesis in certain arthropods and reptiles where an embryo develops without fertilization.

In contrast, sexual reproduction involves the production of offspring by the combination of genetic material from two parent organisms. This method leads to genetic variation, which is a key component in natural selection and evolutionary processes. While asexual reproduction is common among lower life forms, sexual reproduction is predominant in higher organisms, including most animals and plants. These diverse methods ensure a wide range of adaptation and survival strategies among different species.