Amoebas reproduce asexually through a process called binary fission. In this process, the amoeba elongates and the nucleus divides, followed by the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two identical daughter cells.
This method of reproduction allows amoebas to quickly increase their population size under favorable conditions. Since there is no exchange of genetic material, the offspring are clones of the parent, which can be advantageous in stable environments where the parent’s traits are well-suited for survival.
In different circumstances, amoebas can also undergo a form of sexual reproduction called conjugation, though this is much less common. In conjugation, two amoebas can exchange genetic material, which may lead to greater genetic diversity in offspring. However, binary fission remains the primary method of reproduction for these simple single-celled organisms.