Which organism is known to reproduce via spores?

Fungi are well-known for their ability to reproduce via spores, which serve as a means of both asexual and sexual reproduction. Spores are typically resilient structures that can survive in unfavorable environmental conditions, allowing fungi to disperse and colonize new areas effectively. This reproductive strategy is particularly advantageous as spores can germinate into new fungal organisms when conditions become favorable.

While bacteria can reproduce through spores in a specific context (known as endospore formation), it is a less common reproductive strategy compared to how fungi utilize spores in their life cycle. Viruses do not reproduce by forming spores; instead, they require a host cell to replicate. Protozoa may reproduce via various methods, including binary fission and budding, but they do not typically produce spores as a primary mode of reproduction.

Thus, fungi’s distinct mechanism of reproduction through spores makes it the correct answer in this context.