Which type of reproduction typically requires fewer resources and energy?

Asexual reproduction is the correct answer because it involves a single organism producing offspring that are genetically identical to itself without the need for a mate. This process can occur through methods such as binary fission, budding, or vegetative propagation. As a result, it typically requires fewer resources and energy since there is no need to find a partner, engage in courtship, or produce gametes, all of which are necessary for sexual reproduction.

In contrast, sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, which generally requires more energy and resources. This includes the production of gametes, mating behavior, and often a more complex developmental process to support the offspring. While sexual reproduction can lead to greater genetic diversity, the initial investment in terms of resources and energy tends to be higher.

Hybridization refers to the process where individuals from different species or varieties interbreed, and while it can introduce new genetic combinations, it requires the existence of both parental species and is not a form of reproduction in itself. Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution, not a reproductive strategy, and it explains how certain traits continue or diminish across populations rather than how offspring are produced.

Focusing on asexual reproduction highlights its efficiency and lower resource demand, making it a prevalent reproductive