What is a common method of asexual reproduction in fungi?

Fragmentation is a common method of asexual reproduction in fungi where a part of the fungal body breaks off and can grow into a new individual. This process allows fungi to spread quickly and colonize new areas, which is beneficial for their survival and proliferation. In this method, a piece of mycelium can develop into a new mycelium, as each fragment contains the necessary genetic material to form a viable organism.

In contrast, conjugation refers to a form of sexual reproduction where two fungi come together to exchange genetic material, which is distinct from asexual reproduction. Binary fission is primarily associated with prokaryotic organisms and some unicellular eukaryotes, not fungi. Meiosis, while important for sexual reproduction as a means of generating genetic diversity, does not apply to the asexual reproductive processes of fungi. Thus, fragmentation stands out as the clear and relevant method of asexual reproduction for fungi.