Question

Which of the following multiply through fragmentation? (a) Fungi (b) Filamentous algae (c) Planaria (d) All of these

Short answer

(d) All of these

Step-by-step solution

Understand all options

In this multiple choice question, the four options are: (a) Fungi, (b) Filamentous algae, (c) Planaria, (d) All of these. Each of these organisms must be examined to understand if they reproduce via fragmentation.

Analyze the first option - Fungi

Fungi can reproduce asexually through fragmentation. This means that a piece of hyphae can become fragmented and then generate a new fungus.

Analyze the second option - Filamentous algae

Filamentous algae also reproduce by fragmentation. They can break into pieces and each fragment can then grow into a new organism.

Analyze the third option - Planaria

Planaria are known for their ability to regenerate from a fragment. If a planaria is cut into pieces, each piece can grow into a new planaria. Therefore, they also reproduce by fragmentation.

Decide the correct answer

According to the given definitions and examples for each option, it can be observed that all three organisms can reproduce via fragmentation. Therefore, the correct answer is (d) All of these.

Key concepts

Asexual Reproduction

Asexual reproduction is a fascinating biological process where offspring are produced from a single parent without the involvement of sexual cells or gametes. This mode of reproduction leads to offspring that are genetically identical to the parent, commonly referred to as clones. There are several forms of asexual reproduction, but fragmentation is a unique process that some organisms utilize.

In fragmentation, the parent organism is split into multiple pieces and each piece has the ability to develop independently into a complete organism. This method is advantageous in stable environments where identical offspring can thrive without the need for genetic variation. Therefore, it often occurs in simpler organisms like single-celled beings, plants, and some fungi. Fragmentation is effective because it allows for rapid growth and colonization, beneficial in environments where resources are plentiful and conditions are optimal.

Fungi Fragmentation

Fungi are diverse organisms that can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Asexual reproduction in fungi includes fragmentation, where the mycelium, which is the vegetative part of a fungus, fragments into smaller pieces.

Each piece can develop into a new fungus under suitable conditions. This is especially prevalent in molds, a common type of fungi, that thrive in moist and nutrient-rich environments. Fragmentation allows fungi to spread quickly and cover more ground in a hospitable setting.

By allowing rapid and efficient reproduction, fungi can quickly exploit resources and adapt to sudden changes in their environment. This process is crucial for their survival and proliferation, and it contributes significantly to the fungal lifecycle.

Filamentous Algae

Filamentous algae, found in aquatic environments, are another group that reproduces via fragmentation. These organisms form long, thin strands called filaments. Each filament can break off into several pieces, with each piece capable of developing into a new individual organism under favorable conditions.

This form of reproduction is advantageous in water because the algae can easily detach and spread with currents, maximizing their reach for sunlight and nutrients. This capability ensures that they can colonize large areas, becoming an integral part of aquatic ecosystems by providing essential oxygen and serving as a food source for various aquatic animals.

Fragmentation in filamentous algae is not only a means of reproduction but also a mechanism for rapid recovery from environmental damage or disturbances, securing their position in the ecosystem.

Planaria Regeneration

Planaria are flatworms known for their extraordinary regenerative abilities, which are closely linked to asexual reproduction via fragmentation. These tiny animals can regenerate a complete planarian from just a tiny fragment of their body.

This remarkable ability is due to specialized cells called neoblasts, which proliferate and differentiate into various cell types needed to form a complete organism. If a planaria is cut into pieces, each piece utilizes these neoblasts to regrow the missing parts, effectively creating new individuals.

Planaria regeneration offers insights into cellular regeneration and repair, making it a subject of various studies in biological research. This ability not only facilitates their asexual reproduction but also ensures survival through significant injuries, maintaining their populations in their natural habitats.