Differences between Asexual and Sexual Reproduction

Question 1

What are the differences between asexual and sexual reproduction regarding the number of parents?

Answer 1

Asexual:
- one
- i.e. all individuals can produce offspring

Sexual:
- two
- with two genders

Question 2

What are the differences between asexual and sexual reproduction regarding processes?

Answer 2

Asexual:
- one stage
- i.e. mitosis with no fusion of cells
- therefore quicker

Sexual:
- two stages
- i.e. meiosis and fertilisation
- therefore slower

Question 3

What are the differences between asexual and sexual reproduction regarding gamete formation?

Answer 3

Asexual:
- no gametes formed

Sexual:
- gametes formed

Question 4

What are the differences between asexual and sexual reproduction regarding the end result?

Answer 4

Asexual:
- offspring are genetically identical to the parent
- no variation because alleles are not shuffled

Sexual:
- offspring are genetically different to parents
- there is variation because alleles are shuffled during meiosis (when gametes are formed) and fertilisation (when alleles are joined in new combination)

Question 5

What are the differences between asexual and sexual reproduction regarding value?

Answer 5

Asexual:
- in an unchanging environment, well-adapted individuals are preserved
- reproduction is possible where there are no or few mates

Sexual:
- in a changing environment, individuals with variations can adapt to new conditions

Question 6

What are the differences between asexual and sexual reproduction regarding rate of reproduction?

Answer 6

Asexual:
- faster
- as all individuals can reproduce offspring

Sexual:
- slower process
- half population are males who do not produce offspring

Question 7

What are the differences between asexual and sexual reproduction regarding energy input?

Answer 7

Asexual:
- more efficient
- no energy input needed

Sexual:
- less efficient
- energy input is needed to produce gametes, and find and court a mate

Question 8

What are the differences between asexual and sexual reproduction regarding outside agents?

Answer 8

Asexual:
- none needed

Sexual:
- pollinators often necessary for pollination

Question 9

What are the differences between asexual and sexual reproduction regarding the ability to adapt to the environment?

Answer 9

Asexual:
- no

Sexual:
- yes

Question 10

What are the differences between asexual and sexual reproduction regarding the possibility of evolution?

Answer 10

Asexual:
- low
- usually no genotype variation

Sexual:
- good
- genotype variation