Which type of reproduction results in genetically different offspring?

Sexual reproduction is the process that results in genetically different offspring. This method involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, typically through the fusion of male and female gametes (sperm and egg). Because each parent contributes a unique set of genes, the offspring inherit a mix of traits from both, leading to genetic diversity within a population.

This genetic variation is crucial for the adaptability and evolution of species, as it allows populations to respond to environmental changes and challenges. The mixing of different alleles creates new combinations, which can lead to different physical and behavioral traits in the offspring.

In contrast, asexual reproduction, cloning, and binary fission result in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent organism. Asexual reproduction involves a single individual producing offspring without the fusion of gametes, while cloning is a specific method of creating genetically identical organisms. Binary fission, commonly observed in prokaryotic organisms like bacteria, is another form of asexual reproduction whereby a cell divides into two identical cells. None of these processes provide the genetic diversity that results from sexual reproduction.