Asexual reproduction differs from sexual reproduction in that:

• A. Asexual reproduction produces genetically diverse offspring.
• B. Asexual reproduction occurs only in bacteria.
• C. Asexual reproduction produces genetically identical offspring.
• D. Asexual reproduction does not occur in animals.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key difference between asexual and sexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, leading to genetically diverse offspring, while asexual reproduction involves a single parent producing offspring without genetic recombination.
2. Step 2: Recognize that asexual reproduction results in offspring that are genetically identical or nearly identical to the parent because there is no mixing of genetic material.
3. Step 3: Note that asexual reproduction is not limited to bacteria; it also occurs in many other organisms, including some plants, fungi, and even certain animals.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect statements: asexual reproduction does not produce genetically diverse offspring, and it is not exclusive to bacteria or absent in animals.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct distinguishing feature of asexual reproduction is that it produces offspring virtually identical to the parent.