What process occurs when one coral polyp splits into two identical polyps?

The process in which one coral polyp splits into two identical polyps is known as budding. This asexual reproduction method allows a single coral polyp to produce a genetically identical offspring while still attached to the parent. As the bud grows and develops, it can eventually separate from the parent, leading to the formation of new polyps within the colony. This ability to reproduce asexually through budding is crucial for the growth and expansion of coral reefs, as it enables the rapid increase in coral populations and contributes to the structural complexity of reef ecosystems.

In contrast, fragmentation typically refers to a different reproductive process where pieces of a coral colony break off, and these fragments can grow into new colonies. Fission is a term that can describe the splitting of an organism into two or more parts, but it is generally more aligned with other organisms outside the coral context. Division, while it may imply the splitting of a single entity, is not specifically associated with coral reproduction terminologies as clearly as budding is. Thus, budding accurately describes the specific process occurring in this scenario.