What type of organism reproduces by budding?

Fungi are known for their ability to reproduce by a process called budding. In this process, a new organism develops from a small outgrowth or bud that forms on the parent organism. As the bud grows and matures, it eventually detaches from the parent to become a separate entity. This method of asexual reproduction allows fungi to propagate quickly and effectively in suitable environments.

Bacteria typically reproduce through binary fission, where a single cell divides into two identical cells. Protozoa can reproduce asexually through several methods, such as binary fission or multiple fission, but they do not utilize budding as a primary means of reproduction. Viruses, on the other hand, cannot reproduce independently and must infect a host cell to replicate, resulting in the production of new viral particles. Thus, of the options provided, fungi are the organisms that specifically reproduce by budding.