What type of reproduction occurs during binary fission?

Binary fission is a method of reproduction primarily observed in single-celled organisms, like bacteria. During binary fission, the organism duplicates its genetic material and divides into two identical daughter cells. This process does not involve the fusion of gametes and does not require a mate, which are characteristics of sexual reproduction.

Asexual reproduction, which includes binary fission, allows for the rapid increase in population size, as it can occur quickly under favorable conditions. In essence, because binary fission creates genetically identical offspring from a single parent without the involvement of sexual processes, it is accurately categorized as a form of asexual reproduction.