Which of the following groups includes organisms that reproduce asexually through binary fission?

The correct choice identifies bacteria as organisms that reproduce asexually through binary fission, which is a form of asexual reproduction commonly seen in prokaryotes. In binary fission, a single bacterial cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells. This process begins with the replication of the bacterial DNA, followed by the elongation of the cell and separation of the cytoplasmic contents, ultimately leading to the formation of two cells.

While protozoa can reproduce asexually, they typically use methods such as budding or multiple fission, which differ from binary fission. Fungi also reproduce asexually, often by forming spores or through vegetative propagation, but these methods are distinct from binary fission. Viruses, on the other hand, do not reproduce independently; they require a host cell to replicate and cannot perform binary fission. Instead, viruses hijack the cellular machinery of a host to replicate their genetic material and produce new viral particles. This is fundamentally different from the reproduction method used by bacteria.