Reproduction is the creation of offspring by a living thing, e.g. making more of themselves.
Living things reproduce either by creating an identical version of themselves (a clone) or by mixing their genetic code with one other of the same species.
This means there can be either one parent or two parents.
Clones have only one parent, to whom they are completely identical.
Living things with two parents are the same species as their parents but not identical to either. They are a mixture of both.
Producing clones is generally easier and quicker but doesn't result in any variation.
If there is no variation living things cannot adapt if their environment changes.
Most animals cannot clone themselves and need two parents to produce offspring.
Many plants can create offspring using either method, depending on which works best at the time.
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