Reproductive strategies refer to the various methods that organisms use to ensure the continuation of their species. These strategies can be broadly categorized into two types: sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction. In sexual reproduction, two parents contribute genetic material, leading to offspring with diverse traits. This diversity can enhance survival in changing environments.
In contrast, asexual reproduction involves a single organism producing offspring that are genetically identical to itself. This method is often faster and requires less energy, making it advantageous in stable environments. Examples of asexual reproduction include budding in hydra and binary fission in bacteria. Each strategy has its own benefits and challenges, shaping the survival of different species.