Which reproduction method is not dependent on genetic variation?

Asexual reproduction is characterized by the creation of offspring from a single parent organism without the involvement of gametes or genetic mixing. This method allows for the production of genetically identical offspring (clones), meaning there is no genetic variation among them. The organisms undergo processes such as binary fission, budding, or vegetative propagation, where the genetic material is duplicated and passed directly to the new individual, maintaining the same genetic makeup as the parent.

In contrast, sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, leading to offspring that have a mixture of traits and greater genetic diversity. Hybrid reproduction, which often refers to breeding between two different species or varieties, and crossbreeding, specifically involves the mating of different breeds or species to produce offspring with heterogeneous genetic backgrounds. Both these methods depend on genetic variation to produce new traits. Thus, asexual reproduction stands out as the method that does not rely on genetic variation to generate offspring.