Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of two specialized cells called gametes, which are produced by two different parents. Asexual reproduction, on the other hand, involves the production of offspring that are genetically identical to the parent and no fusion of gametes occurs. While sexual reproduction promotes genetic diversity and variation, asexual reproduction results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. Sexual reproduction requires the involvement of two parents and there is typically a two-step process of meiosis followed by fertilization, while asexual reproduction can occur through various methods such as binary fission, budding, or fragmentation. In sexual reproduction, offspring inherit a combination of genetic traits from both parents, whereas in asexual reproduction, offspring inherit identical genetic material from a single parent.
