Reproduction can occur through asexual or sexual means. Asexual reproduction involves a single parent and produces offspring that are genetically identical. Sexual reproduction involves two parents and produces offspring with genetic variation. The document then describes the key stages and processes of both asexual reproduction (such as binary fission and budding) and sexual reproduction (including gamete formation, fertilization, and embryo development) in organisms ranging from plants and fungi to animals. Examples are provided to illustrate different modes of asexual and sexual reproduction.