Which type of reproduction involves the fusion of male and female gametes?

Sexual reproduction is characterized by the fusion of male and female gametes, which are the reproductive cells. In this process, the male gamete (sperm) combines with the female gamete (egg) to form a zygote, which then develops into a new organism. This method of reproduction results in genetic variation since the offspring inherit a mix of genes from both parents.

In contrast, asexual reproduction occurs without the need for gametes, as it involves a single organism producing offspring that are genetically identical to itself. Cloning is a specific type of asexual reproduction where an organism is created that is genetically identical to another, and binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction typically seen in prokaryotic organisms, where a single cell divides into two separate cells. Thus, sexual reproduction stands out as it promotes genetic diversity and involves the combination of genetic material from two parents.