Which of the following is NOT a method of reproduction in animals?

1. Analyze the question We need the option that is NOT a method of reproduction in animals.

2. Explain the concept Animals reproduce in two broad ways:

• Asexual reproduction: one parent, no gametes. Examples include budding (Hydra, sponges), binary fission (Amoeba, a single-celled animal-like protozoan), fragmentation and regeneration (planaria, starfish).
• Sexual reproduction: fusion of male and female gametes, as in humans, birds, fish and insects.

Sporulation is the formation of spores. It is typical of fungi (e.g. mushrooms, Rhizopus), ferns, mosses and some bacteria. Animals do not reproduce by forming spores.

3. Go through the options

• A. Asexual reproduction: occurs in animals (e.g. Hydra, planaria). It is a method.
• B. Budding: occurs in Hydra and sponges. It is a method.
• C. Sexual reproduction: the most common method in animals. It is a method.
• D. Sporulation: occurs in fungi and plants, not in animals. It is NOT a method.

(A and B are a bit overlapping, since budding is a type of asexual reproduction, but both are still valid animal methods. Only D is not.)

4. Answer The correct option is D. Sporulation.

5. Exam tip Link the terms to the groups of organisms:

• Spores → fungi, ferns, mosses
• Budding → Hydra, yeast
• Binary fission → Amoeba, bacteria

When a question says "NOT in animals", look for a method belonging to plants or fungi.