Asexual reproductive structures in sponges are known as:

The correct answer is Option (3) → Gemmules

Option (3) Gemmules — Correct. In sponges, asexual reproduction takes place through special structures called gemmules. Other asexual structures include zoospores, conidia, buds (Hydra) and offsets.

Option (4) Zoospores — Incorrect. Zoospores are motile spores of algae such as Chlamydomonas.

Note 1: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 05-06-2023 (Slot 1).

Note 2: This question is from Chapter 1, Reproduction in Organisms, of the pre-rationalised NCERT book. This chapter is not in the present NCERT book (2026-27). The extract below is from the pre-rationalised edition.

NCERT Extract (Pre-rationalised edition, Chapter 1, Reproduction in Organisms):
Asexual Reproduction – “… Members of the Kingdom Fungi and simple plants such as algae reproduce through special asexual reproductive structures (Figure 1.3). The most common of these structures are zoospores that usually are microscopic motile structures. Other common asexual reproductive structures are conidia (Penicillium), buds (Hydra) and gemmules (sponge).”