Q1. [3] medium thorough-understanding
Both budding in Hydra and regeneration in Planaria involve the proliferation and differentiation of cells to produce new body parts. Distinguish between the two processes and explain why budding is considered a mode of reproduction while regeneration serves a different primary biological purpose. Also describe, step by step, how budding in Hydra leads to the formation of a new independent individual.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 01:05 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Distinction:
- Budding is a mode of reproduction — a new individual forms as an outgrowth at a specific site on the parent body and detaches to live independently.
- Regeneration in Planaria is primarily a survival/repair mechanism; an organism grows back lost parts when cut. Most organisms are not normally cut up, so it is not a regular reproductive strategy.
Steps of budding in Hydra:
- Repeated cell division occurs at one specific site on the parent body.
- An outgrowth (bud) develops from this site.
- The bud gradually grows into a tiny Hydra individual.
- When fully mature, it detaches from the parent body and becomes a new independent individual.
Source: Chapter 7, Sections 7.2.3 and 7.2.4
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Explanation
Examiners expect you to clearly contrast the two processes (not just describe them separately) and then give sequential steps for budding. The key distinction is: budding is a normal, planned reproductive process; regeneration is a response to injury/damage and not how organisms normally reproduce. Quote the textbook phrase — "regeneration is not the same as reproduction" — to score full marks.