Reproduction isn’t always about two sexes coming together. In nature, there’s also asexual reproduction, where an organism produces offspring that are genetically identical to itself—in essence, natural clones.
This can happen in various ways, such as budding, splitting, or parthenogenesis (“virgin reproduction”). Here are 6 examples of animals capable of effectively cloning themselves.
1. Aphids reproduce rapidly through cloning
Aphids are notorious for their ability to form massive populations quickly. This is largely due to their capacity for parthenogenesis.
During favorable periods, such as warm summers with plenty of food, female aphids produce live daughters that are genetically identical to themselves, without fertilization. When conditions worsen (e.g., colder weather, food shortage), they often switch to sexual reproduction to create genetic diversity in the next generation.
2. Starfish can regenerate into new individuals
Many starfish are known for their impressive regenerative abilities; they can regrow lost arms. Some species take it a step further. If an arm breaks off and contains part of the central disc, that fragment can grow into a fully new, genetically identical individual. This is a form of asexual reproduction via fragmentation and regeneration.
3. Hydra reproduce through budding
Hydra are small, simple freshwater predators related to jellyfish and anemones. One common method of reproduction is budding. A small protrusion forms on the parent hydra’s body.
This “bud” develops into a miniature version of the parent, complete with tentacles and a mouth. Eventually, the genetically identical young hydra detaches and begins life on its own.
4. Some whiptail lizard populations consist only of females
In certain whiptail lizard species, such as those in the southwestern US and Mexico, entire populations consist only of females. These lizards reproduce via parthenogenesis. Females lay unfertilized eggs that still develop into viable offspring, genetically identical to the mother. No males are involved.
5. Water fleas choose reproductive strategy based on environment
Water fleas, small freshwater crustaceans, often use cyclical parthenogenesis. Under favorable conditions, females produce daughters (clones) asexually. When conditions deteriorate (e.g., food scarcity, approaching winter), they produce both males and females for sexual reproduction. This results in fertilized “resting eggs” that can survive harsh periods and increase genetic variation.
6. Coral and sea anemones use splitting and budding
Many corals and sea anemones can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Asexual reproduction can occur through longitudinal or transverse splitting, where the organism literally splits in two, and both halves grow into complete individuals. Another method is budding, similar to hydras, where new polyps emerge from the parent polyp—essential for coral colony growth.
Asexual reproduction—or natural cloning—is an incredibly efficient strategy for rapid population growth when conditions are ideal. It allows a successful genotype to spread quickly. The main disadvantage is the lack of genetic diversity, which can make populations more vulnerable to disease or environmental changes. That’s why many species capable of cloning also reproduce sexually from time to time.
