Asexual And Sexual Reproduction

Question 1

how do cells reproduce asexually

Answer 1

• by their cells dividing by mitosis

- results in tow daughter diploid cells that are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell

Question 2

how do cells reproduce sexually

Answer 2

• through meiosis
• and the production of genetically different haploid gametes
• which fuse to form a diploid cell at fertilisation

Question 3

what is the advantage of asexual reproduction in terms of rate

Answer 3

• it can produce lots of off spring very quickly
• because the reproductive cycle is so fast
• bacteria such as e coli can divide every half hour
• this allows organisms to colonise an area very quickly

Question 4

what is the advantage of sexual reproduction in terms of variation

Answer 4

• it creates genetic variation within the population

- meaning different organisms have different characteristics

Question 5

what effect does variation, due to sexual reproduction, have on a species

Answer 5

• if means that if the environmental factors change
• some individuals will have the characteristics to survive the change
• overtime, this can lead to natural selection and the evolution of a species
• as they become better adapted to their environment

Question 6

what is an advantage of asexual reproduction in terms of ease

Answer 6

• only one parent is needed
• meaning organisms can reproduce whenever conditions are favourable
• without having to wait for a mate

Question 7

what is a disadvantage of asexual reproduction in terms of variation

Answer 7

• there is no genetic variation between the off spring in the population
• so if the environment changes and conditions become unfavourable, the whole species may be affected

Question 8

what is an example of asexual reproduction not having genetic variation and causing the decline of a species

Answer 8

• black sigatoka is a disease the affects banana plants, which reproduce asexually
• if there is an outbreak of the disease, its likely that all banana tress will be affected
• as none of them are resistant to the disease

Question 9

what is a disadvantage of sexual reproduction in terms of time

Answer 9

• it takes more time and energy than asexual reproduction

- so organisms produce fewer off spring in their lifetime

Question 10

what is a disadvantage of sexual reproduction in terms of communication

Answer 10

• two parents are needed for sexual reproduction

- this can be a problem is individuals are isolated

Question 11

what is an example of sexual reproduction being a disadvantage in terms of communication

Answer 11

• for example, polar bears often live alone

- so male polar bears may have to walk up to 100 miles to find a mate

Question 12

what is an example of sexual reproduction being a disadvantage in terms of time

Answer 12

• for example, organisms need to find and attract mates, which uses energy
• male bowerbirds build structures out of twigs and then dance to impress the female

Question 13

what is an example of asexual reproduction being an advantage in terms of ease

Answer 13

• an example is aphids reproducing asexually during the summer when there is plenty of food