Asexual Reproduction

The vegetative propagule 'M' in the diagram can be identified by analyzing the given options:

A. Runner - A slender, prostrate stem that grows along the ground surface and produces new plants at nodes (e.g., in strawberry).

B. Offset - A short runner that grows horizontally along the ground and produces new plants at its tip (e.g., in water hyacinth).

C. Rhizome - An underground stem that grows horizontally and produces roots and shoots from its nodes (e.g., in ginger).

D. Bulbil - A small bulb-like structure that develops in the place of a flower or in leaf axils, serving as a vegetative propagule (e.g., in Agave).

The correct answer is (D) Offset.

Let's analyze each option to determine the correct match for asexual reproduction:

• Spores - Sponge: Sponges reproduce sexually and asexually. Asexual reproduction can occur via fragmentation, budding, or the formation of gemmules (internal buds). Spores are generally not associated with sponge reproduction. Therefore, this is incorrect.
• Conidia - Hydra: Conidia are asexual spores produced by certain fungi. Hydra primarily reproduce asexually through budding. Conidia are not involved in Hydra reproduction. Therefore, this is incorrect.
• Gemmules - Amoeba: Gemmules are internal buds found in sponges and some freshwater invertebrates, used for asexual reproduction, particularly to survive unfavorable conditions. Amoeba reproduces mainly by binary fission. Therefore, this is incorrect.
• Bulbil - Agave: Bulbils are small bulb-like structures that develop on the aerial parts of some plants, such as Agave. These bulbils can detach and grow into new plants, representing a form of asexual reproduction. Therefore, this is correct.

Therefore, the correctly matched pair is Bulbil - Agave.

Hydra reproduces asexually by producing Buds.

(A) Zoospores - Incorrect: These are motile spores produced by algae and fungi.

(B) Conidia - Incorrect: These are non-motile spores produced by fungi.

(C) Buds - Correct: Hydra undergoes budding where a new organism grows as an outgrowth.

(D) Gemmule - Incorrect: These are internal buds produced by sponges for asexual reproduction.

The correct answer is (C) Buds, as Hydra's asexual reproduction involves developing miniature clones as lateral outgrowths.