What type of reproduction can occur through the division of a single organism into two equal parts?

The correct answer is fission, as it describes the process where a single organism divides into two equal parts, resulting in two identical daughter organisms. This form of asexual reproduction is common in many unicellular organisms, such as bacteria and some protozoans. During fission, the organism replicates its genetic material and then divides its cytoplasm, leading to the formation of two separate entities that are genetically identical to the parent.

In contrast, germination refers to the process where a seed develops into a new plant. Sporulation involves the production of spores, which can develop into new individuals, but typically involves a more complex life cycle and is not characterized by equal division. Budding involves the formation of a new organism from a small bud off the parent organism, which can differ in size and genetic material initially from the parent until it matures. Thus, fission is the specific process that matches the description of equal division of an organism.