What does reproduction refer to in biology?

Reproduction in biology is defined as the process of creating new members of a species, ensuring the continuation of genetic material from one generation to the next. This process is crucial for the survival of a species, as it allows for the propagation of individuals with specific genetic traits that can adapt to changing environments.

In sexual reproduction, genetic material from two parents combines to produce offspring with a unique mix of traits, while in asexual reproduction, a single organism can produce one or more new individuals that are genetically identical to itself. Understanding this mechanism is fundamental to the study of genetics and the evolution of organisms, highlighting the importance of reproduction in the life cycle of all living things.

The other options do not accurately describe reproduction. Cell mutation relates to changes in the genetic material within cells, energy production is associated with metabolic processes in organisms, and nutrient absorption pertains to how organisms take in food and nutrients for energy and growth, none of which directly involve the creation of new individuals or species.