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Introduction:
Asexual reproduction generates genetically identical offspring from a single parent. In sexual reproduction, the offspring inherits genes from two parents. Also, the offspring produced are genetically unique.
Answer to Problem 1SQ
Correct answer:
The main evolutionary advantage of sexual over asexual reproduction is that it produces more variation among offspring. Hence, the correct answer is option b.
Explanation of Solution
Reason for correct answer:
Option b. is given as “more variation among offspring”.
All offspring of an asexual reproducer are clones. They have the same alleles as their parent. Environment is constantly changing and may not be always favorable. Individuals that are identical are vulnerable to the environmental changes. The genetic diversity gives the sexual reproducers an evolutionary advantage. The genetic information of two parents with different alleles is combined in sexual reproduction. The offspring differ from each other and their parents due to inheritance of different combinations of parental alleles. Some offspring may adapt perfectly to a new environmental challenge. As a result, they have better chances of survival in the changing environment. Therefore, the evolutionary advantage of sexual reproduction is that it produces more variation among offspring than asexual reproduction.
Reason for incorrect answer:
Option a. is given as, “more offspring per individual”.
Asexual reproduction generally produces more offspring than sexual reproduction. The offspring have the same allele as their parent. Evolution is defined as a change in the characteristics of a species over several generations and it relies on natural selection. This indicates that more offspring per individual is not an evolutionary advantage. Hence, option a. is incorrect.
Option c. is given as, “healthier offspring”.
Some offspring may have inherited traits that help them survive and reproduce in a new environment. This may occur in both asexual and sexual reproducing organisms. However, sexual reproduction produces more variation among offspring than asexual reproduction is an evolutionary advantage.
Hence, option c. is incorrect.
Hence, the options a. and c. are incorrect.
Variation among offspring in sexual reproduction provides an evolutionary advantage. Thus, the correct option is b.
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Chapter 12 Solutions
Biology: Concepts and Applications (MindTap Course List)
- Which of the following is an advantage of asexual reproduction? A. The population can reproduce more rapidly. B. It takes time and energy to find a mate. C. It takes two parents to reproduce. D. There is decreased genetic variation.arrow_forwardWhat is a likely evolutionary advantage of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction? a. sexual reproduction involves fewer steps b. less chance of using up the resources in a given environment c. sexual reproduction results in greater variation in the offspring d. sexual reproduction is more cost-effectivearrow_forwardWhat is a likely evolutionary advantage of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction? a. Sexual reproduction involves fewer steps. b. There is a lower chance of using up the resources in a given environment. c. Sexual reproduction results in variation in the offspring. d. Sexual reproduction is more cost-effective.arrow_forward
- Which of the following is a disadvantage of sexual reproduction? a.)Offspring can be reproduced more quickly than by sexual means b.)Two parents are required for making sex cells c.)Offspring are genetically different d.)Genetic diversity makes organism respond uniformly to environment changesarrow_forwardHeritable variation is required for which of the following? A) Evolution B) Asexual reproduction C) Mitosis D) Meiosisarrow_forwardWhich of the processes does not lead to variation in offspring with the same parents?* A. Random fusion of gametes from different parents. B. Random assortment of chromosomes in M1 C.Crossing over of chromosomes D.Interkinesisarrow_forward
- What are advantages of asexual reproduction? Select all that apply. A) In a stable environment, a population that develops from asexual reproduction can grow quickly and thrive. B) In an unstable environment, a population that develops from asexual reproduction can grow quickly and thrive. C) Species that reproduce through asexual reproduction have more genetic diversity. D) Organisms in isolated areas can still reproduce through asexual reproduction.arrow_forwardIn humans, sexual reproduction that produces an embryo, which then develops into a fetus, requires: a. Neither mitosis or meiosis b. Mitosis c. Both mitosis and meiosisarrow_forwardHow does the production of sperm differ from the production of eggs? a. Sperm production involves meiosis, whereas egg production involves only mitosis. b. Meiosis during sperm production produces four sperm cells, whereas meiosis during egg production produces only one functional egg cell. c. Sperm are haploid, whereas eggs are diploid. d. Sperm production begins during fetal development, whereas the meiotic process that begins egg production doesn’t begin until pubertyarrow_forward
- Which of the following characterizesparthenogenesis?(A) An individual may change its sex during itslifetime.(B) Specialized groups of cells grow into newindividuals.(C) An organism is first a male and then a female.(D) An egg develops without being fertilized.arrow_forwardCompare and contrast sexual and asexual reproduction. Identify the most accurate statement. a. Asexual reproduction results in more offspring per mother. b. Sexual reproduction is always more costly. c. Sexual reproduction is associated with an increase in homozygosity. d. Asexual reproduction is always bad for a species.arrow_forwardSexual reproduction involves an organism (A.) growing from body parts that are cut or broken off the parent. (B.) being produced through a unique combination of DNA from two gametes. (C.) generating an identical offspring on the surface of its own body. (D.) replicating its DNA before dividing in half to produce two organisms.arrow_forward
Concepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax College