Asexual v Sexual reproduction Flashcards
What is reproduction?
The ability to make the next generation and one of the basic characteristics of life.
Why do organisms reproduce?
To ensure the survival of their species.
Do all organisms reproduce?
Yes, all organisms must reproduce to survive.
Do all organisms reproduce in the same way?
No, organisms have different methods of reproduction.
What are the two methods of reproduction?
- Asexual reproduction
- Sexual reproduction
Define asexual reproduction.
The process of forming a new individual from a single parent.
Define sexual reproduction.
The process of forming a new individual from two parents.
What is a clone?
An offspring that has identical genes and chromosomes to the parent.
Advantages of asexual reproduction?
- No energy expended to find a mate
- Faster reproduction
- High chance of survival in stable environments
Disadvantages of asexual reproduction?
- Less genetic diversity
- Lesser chance of survival if the environment changes
Give examples of asexual reproduction.
- Binary fission (bacteria, Amoeba)
- Budding (yeast, hydras)
- Spore formation (ferns)
- Fragmentation (flatworms, starfish)
- Regeneration (spider plants, strawberries)
- Parthenogenesis (bees, wasps, some cockroaches)
What are gametes?
Reproductive cells such as sperm, pollen, and eggs.
What is a zygote?
A fertilized egg formed by the joining of gametes.
Advantages of sexual reproduction?
Greater genetic variation of offspring, leading to a greater chance of survival in changing environments.
Disadvantages of sexual reproduction?
Energy is expended in finding a mate.
What are some examples of organisms that reproduce sexually?
- Bees
- Wasps
- Ants
- Most animals
What variations exist in sexual reproduction among animals?
- Methods of fertilization
- Quantities of gametes produced
- Methods of attracting mates
- Methods of birth
- Amount of parental support once born
Fill in the blank: Asexual reproduction results in offspring that are _______.
[clones]
Fill in the blank: Sexual reproduction involves the joining of _______ to form a zygote.
[gametes]
