Which of the following organisms reproduces primarily through asexual reproduction?

• A. Maple tree
• B. Bacterium
• C. Whale
• D. Shark

Answer: (B)

A basic idea to focus on is how organisms pass on their genes. Bacteria reproduce by binary fission, an asexual process in which one cell duplicates its DNA and splits into two identical offspring. No mating or fusion of gametes occurs, so the offspring are clones of the parent. In contrast, maples, whales, and most sharks rely on sexual reproduction, involving mating between individuals and combining genetic material to produce offspring. While maples can sometimes spread vegetatively and some rare shark cases show asexual-like events, these are not their typical modes of reproduction. Therefore, this organism is the one that reproduces primarily through asexual means.