Comparing sexual (seed) reproduction with asexual reproduction

Question 1

The main advantage of seed or sexual reproduction is what?

Answer 1

The main advantage of seed or sexual reproduction is that the offspring possess variations.

Question 2

Why are variations important in plants?

Answer 2

These variations may assist the new plants to survive in a habitat by being better adapted.

Question 3

Give some other additional advantages of seed reproduction. (2)

Answer 3

Additional advantages of seed reproduction include:
the ability of seeds to be dispersed widely and
the possibility that some seeds may survive in the soil and grow when unsuitable environmental conditions improve.

Question 4

What is the main advantage of asexual reproduction in plants?

Answer 4

Asexual reproduction allows plants to produce many copies of themselves in a short space of time.

Question 5

Why is the following advantage of asexual reproduction in plants so great?

Answer 5

This helps asexually reproducing plants to establish themselves very rapidly in new habitats.

Question 6

Give another advantage of asexual reproduction in plants other than the following:

Asexual reproduction allows plants to produce many copies of themselves in a short space of time.

Answer 6

the new plants are very strong because they can draw nutrients from the parent plant while they are still attached to it.

Question 7

Is sexual reproduction in plants seed or vegetative?

Answer 7

seed

Question 8

Is asexual reproduction in plants seed or vegetative?

Answer 8

vegetative

Question 9

What are the 4 main advantages of sexual (seed) reproduction in plants?

Answer 9

Offspring show variations from parents (allowing evolution)

Some plants may be resistant to disease

There is less competition due to seed dispersal

Some seeds may remain dormant in the soil

Question 10

What are the 4 main disadvantages of sexual (seed) reproduction in plants?

Answer 10

Disadvantages:

Complex process (less reliable)

May depend on outside agents, e.g. for pollination and dispersal

Slow growth of the young plants to maturity

Wasteful (e.g. petals, nectar, pollen, fruit)

Question 11

What are the 4 main advantages of asexual (vegetative) reproduction in plants?

Answer 11

Advantages:

Simple process (more reliable)

No outside agents are needed

Rapid growth, as young plants are attached to the parent

No waste

Question 12

What are the 4 main disadvantages of asexual (vegetative) reproduction in plants?

Answer 12

Disadvantages:

There are no variations (although this may be an advantage to the grower)

If one plant is susceptible to a disease then all plants are susceptible

There is overcrowding and competition

No seeds are formed (i.e. no dormant structures in soil)