Biology
Biology
12th Edition
ISBN: 9780078024269
Author: Sylvia Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
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Chapter 10, Problem 1NS.1QC
Summary Introduction

To explain:

Whether the parthenogenesis produce the same amount of genetic variation as would occur in normal sexual reproduction.

Introduction:

Genetic variation enables species to adapt and evolve in the changing environment. Asexually reproducing organisms primarily depends on mutation for genetic variation. In sexually reproducing organisms, the mutation occurs from the reshuffling of genetic material during the meiotic division in the process of gametogenesis sexual reproduction. This ensures a different combination of genes as compared to that of their parents. The two main ways in which meiosis contributes to genetic variation are crossing over and independent assortment.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

The survival of each and every species depends on adaptation and it causes some “variations in genetics”. Due to such variations, the species adapts to environment.

Parthenogenesis is the asexual mode of reproduction that only involves a single parent. Therefore, there is an absence of crossing over. This limits the amount of genetic variation and thus reduces the ability of the species to adapt to changes in its environment.

During the meiosis, the process of crossing over results in an exchange of the genetic material which allows the genetic variation. Organisms constantly evolve due to genetic variations and become less vulnerable to extinction or infection. Therefore, the process of parthenogenesis does not produce the same amount of genetic variation as in normal sexual reproduction.

Conclusion

Thus, parthenogenesis does not produce the same amount of genetic variation as would occur in normal sexual reproduction.

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