clonal colony
A clonal colony is a group of genetically identical organisms that arise from a single ancestor through asexual reproduction. This means that all members of the colony share the same DNA, making them clones of one another. Clonal colonies can be found in various species, including plants, fungi, and some animals, and they often spread through methods like budding or vegetative propagation.
One well-known example of a clonal colony is the Pando aspen grove in Utah, which is considered one of the largest living organisms on Earth. It consists of thousands of trees that are all genetically identical and connected by a single root system, demonstrating how clonal reproduction can lead to extensive and resilient communities.