A life cycle including both asexual and sexual phases is an example of

A life cycle including both asexual and sexual phases is an example of

• A. Alternation of generations
• B. Binary fission
• C. Budding
• D. Fragmentation

Answer: (A)

Alternation of generations is at work whenever a life cycle includes two multicellular stages that alternate: one is typically diploid and the other haploid. In many plants and some algae, the diploid stage (sporophyte) produces haploid spores by meiosis, which grow into the haploid stage (gametophyte). The gametophyte then produces gametes by mitosis, and fusion of these gametes restores the diploid state, starting the cycle anew. This pattern embodies both sexual reproduction (gamete fusion) and, across the generations, the potential for asexual growth through mitotic processes that create clones of a generation. The other options describe direct forms of asexual reproduction (binary fission, budding, fragmentation) rather than a life cycle that alternates between two distinct generations.

Alternation of generations is at work whenever a life cycle includes two multicellular stages that alternate: one is typically diploid and the other haploid. In many plants and some algae, the diploid stage (sporophyte) produces haploid spores by meiosis, which grow into the haploid stage (gametophyte). The gametophyte then produces gametes by mitosis, and fusion of these gametes restores the diploid state, starting the cycle anew. This pattern embodies both sexual reproduction (gamete fusion) and, across the generations, the potential for asexual growth through mitotic processes that create clones of a generation. The other options describe direct forms of asexual reproduction (binary fission, budding, fragmentation) rather than a life cycle that alternates between two distinct generations.