Which of the following animal reproduce both, sexually as well as asexually?

The correct answer is Hydra.

Key Points

• Hydras are multicellular organisms that inhabit fresh water.
• They are members of the phylum Cnidaria and possess radial symmetry.
• They are categorised as being diploblastic.
• Tentacles with cnidocytes encircle the mouth.
• Within these cnidocytes are nematocysts, or stinging capsules.
• They both engage in sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction.
• The asexual reproductive mechanism takes the form of budding.
• Hydra can regenerate quickly.

Additional Information

• Reproduction is the biological process by which a new form of life is produced from pre-existing similar life.
• Reproduction helps in the continuation of the species.
• There are two main modes of reproduction - Asexual and Sexual Reproduction.
• Asexual reproduction:
  • Asexual reproduction does not involve the fusion of gametes.
  • The progeny formed through asexual reproduction are genetically identical to their parents.
  • Fragmentation, budding, binary fission, gemmule formation, etc. are some of the methods of asexual reproduction.
  • Hydra, yeast, and sea stars all reproduce asexually.
• Sexual reproduction:
  • Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female gametes (haploid) to form the zygote (diploid).
  • Sexual reproduction involves two major events - Meiosis and the Fusion of gametes.
  • The progeny formed through sexual reproduction are genetically dissimilar. 
  • Mammals, amphibians, angiosperms, etc. show sexual reproduction.