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In which of the following organisms is fragmentation common?
Only in few unicellular organisms
Only a few multicellular organisms
In all multicellular organisms
In all unicellular organisms
Only a few multicellular organisms
Fragmentation is a form of asexual reproduction or cloning in which an organism is split into fragments. Each of these fragments develops into mature, fully grown individuals that are clones of the original organism, which is a common mode of reproduction in a few multicellular organisms like Spirogyra, Planaria, and some sponges.
Fragmentation is a form of asexual reproduction or cloning in which an organism is split into fragments. Each of these fragments develops into mature, fully grown individuals that are clones of the original organism, which is a common mode of reproduction in a few multicellular organisms like Spirogyra, Planaria, and some sponges.
Think of it like cutting a piece of a plant's stem that grows into a new plant; just as that cutting regenerates roots and leaves, the fragmented organisms regenerate their complete body structure.
This process occurs because these organisms possess a simple body organization with a high capacity for regeneration. When the organism breaks into pieces (either by physical damage or as a natural lifecycle event), the cells at the cut site undergo rapid division and differentiation to reconstruct the missing body parts, effectively resulting in independent offspring.
Fragmentation is a mode of asexual reproduction.
It is observed in simple multicellular organisms.
It differs from regeneration, where the organism recovers only parts of its body after injury.
Common examples include Spirogyra (algae), sponges, and flatworms like Planaria.
Does not require a mate.
Allows for rapid population increase under favorable conditions.
Offspring are genetically identical (clones), reducing genetic diversity.
Susceptible to environmental changes as all individuals share the same weaknesses.
Used in the propagation of certain aquatic plants.
Studied in regenerative biology to understand cell differentiation.
Spirogyra reproduces through fragmentation as it matures.
Option B is the correct answer as it correctly limits the scope to 'a few' multicellular organisms, excluding unicellular organisms which primarily undergo binary or multiple fission.
B is correct тАФ Fragmentation is a common form of asexual reproduction found in a few multicellular organisms.
Distinguish between fragmentation and binary fission: Fission is typical of unicellular organisms, whereas fragmentation is a hallmark of certain simple multicellular life forms.