Which form of reproduction is primarily used by prokaryotes?

Prokaryotes primarily reproduce asexually, and the most common method they use is binary fission. In binary fission, a single prokaryotic cell, such as a bacterium, duplicates its genetic material and then divides into two identical daughter cells. This process allows for rapid population growth under favorable conditions, as it requires less energy than sexual reproduction and does not involve the complex mechanisms associated with gamete formation or mating.

While asexual reproduction encompasses all forms of reproduction that do not involve the fusion of gametes, the specific mechanism of binary fission is particularly characteristic of prokaryotic organisms. It is a straightforward and efficient method of reproduction that enables these organisms to thrive in diverse environments. Other forms of reproduction like conjugation do involve genetic exchange but are not the primary means of reproduction for prokaryotes; they serve more as a method of genetic variation rather than reproduction itself.