How does a limpet breed?

Limpets are hermaphrodites, which means they have both male and female reproductive organs. They typically reproduce sexually, although asexual reproduction has been observed in some species.

During sexual reproduction, limpets release both eggs and sperm into the water column. The eggs are fertilized by the sperm, and the resulting larvae develop into planktonic organisms. The larvae eventually settle down on a suitable substrate and grow into adult limpets.

Limpets can also reproduce asexually, by budding or fragmentation. In budding, a new individual grows out of the body of an adult limpet. In fragmentation, the adult limpet splits into two or more individuals.

Asexual reproduction is a more rapid way to produce offspring than sexual reproduction, but it results in less genetic diversity. Sexual reproduction allows for the mixing of genes from different individuals, which can help to improve the chances of survival of the species.