What term describes reproduction without the fusion of gametes?

The term that describes reproduction without the fusion of gametes is "asexual." Asexual reproduction is a method by which organisms create offspring that are genetically identical to themselves, without the involvement of gametes (sperm and egg cells). This process can occur through various mechanisms, such as budding, fragmentation, or vegetative propagation, allowing for quick reproduction and the ability to colonize an area effectively.

In contrast, sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, resulting in offspring that possess traits from both. While binary fission is a specific type of asexual reproduction often seen in prokaryotic organisms, it does not encompass all forms of asexual reproduction, making "asexual" the broader and more accurate term. Mitotic division refers specifically to the process of cell division that leads to the formation of two daughter cells and does not directly describe a method of reproduction on its own.