The type of asexual reproduction that is common to both Paramecium and protists is

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which type of asexual reproduction is common to both Paramecium and protists. Paramecium is itself a protist, so we are looking for the most general method used by single-celled protists.

Step 2: Explain the concepts

• Budding: A small outgrowth forms on the parent and detaches (e.g., yeast, Hydra).
• Sporulation: Formation of spores (e.g., fungi, some protozoans like Plasmodium).
• Fragmentation: The body breaks into pieces, each growing into a new individual (e.g., Spirogyra, planaria).
• Fission: The parent cell divides into two (binary fission) or more (multiple fission) daughter cells.

Step 3: Apply to Paramecium and protists

• Paramecium reproduces asexually by binary fission. Its cell divides transversely into two daughter cells.
• Amoeba, Euglena (longitudinal fission), and many other protists also reproduce mainly by binary fission. Some, like Plasmodium, use multiple fission.

So fission is the method shared by Paramecium and protists in general.

Step 4: Eliminate the others

• Budding is not typical of Paramecium.
• Sporulation is not the usual method for Paramecium.
• Fragmentation does not occur in single-celled organisms like Paramecium.

Answer: D. fission

Exam tip: Remember "Single cell = Split in two." Whenever you see Amoeba, Paramecium, Euglena or bacteria, think binary fission. Link budding with yeast and Hydra, and fragmentation with Spirogyra and planarians.