Doubt in clone method

Hi,Why the clone method in object is defined as protected one.Since every class is a subclass of object what is the significance of the protected access modifier.Thanks in advance.
[229 byte] By [ksbabua] at [2007-11-26 12:34:03]
# 1
So that only the object can clone itself.What does this have to do with I/O?
ejpa at 2007-7-7 15:49:04 > top of Java-index,Core,Core APIs...
# 2
Nothing, just i have doubt regarding that somebody asked me.Why the clone() is protected in object class methods. Is there any specific reason.thanks in advance.
ksbabua at 2007-7-7 15:49:04 > top of Java-index,Core,Core APIs...
# 3
So why are you posting this question in an I/O forum?Please don't.
ejpa at 2007-7-7 15:49:04 > top of Java-index,Core,Core APIs...