Which process is synonymous with asexual reproduction?

Asexual reproduction refers to a type of reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes and typically results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent organism. Cloning is a direct form of asexual reproduction, where an organism is created that is a genetic copy of another. This can occur naturally, for instance in the case of some plants or bacteria, or it can be induced artificially in a laboratory setting.

In contrast, meiosis involves the process of reducing the chromosome number to create gametes, which are necessary for sexual reproduction, while fertilization is the union of gametes that leads to genetic variation in offspring. Genetic diversity refers to the variation among individuals in a population and is not a reproductive process itself but a result of sexual reproduction and other factors. Thus, cloning effectively captures the essence of asexual reproduction by producing identical copies without the genetic mixing associated with sexual methods.