Which organism can reproduce both sexually and asexually?
A protist.
A dog.
a starfish.
sandhill crane.
A protist is the organism that can reproduce both sexually and asexually.
The organism that can reproduce both sexually and asexually is a starfish.
To determine the answer to this question, we can begin by considering each of the options given one by one:
1. A protist: Protists are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms, consisting of various single-celled organisms. Some protists are capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction, while others only reproduce sexually or asexually.
2. A dog: Dogs belong to the animal kingdom, specifically the class Mammalia. Mammals, including dogs, reproduce sexually, meaning they require the involvement of both male and female individuals to produce offspring.
3. A starfish: Starfish, also known as sea stars, are marine invertebrates belonging to the phylum Echinodermata. Unlike dogs, starfish can reproduce both sexually and asexually. They have the ability of asexual reproduction (such as fragmentation), where a new individual can regenerate from a severed part of the body. They can also reproduce sexually by releasing eggs and sperm into the water, where fertilization occurs externally.
4. Sandhill crane: Sandhill cranes are birds belonging to the family Gruidae. Like dogs, birds reproduce sexually, meaning they require both male and female individuals to produce offspring.
Therefore, among the given options, the organism that can reproduce both sexually and asexually is a starfish.