Genetics - Sexual/Asexual

Question 1

Describe asexual reproduction

Answer 1

Reproduction involving one parent. All the offspring are identical

Question 2

Explain advantages of asexual reproduction

Answer 2

Because there is only one parent, it can be faster because there is no need to find a mate.
If the parent is successful, it is good to be genetically identical to the parent because the offspring are likely to be successful to

Question 3

Describe sexual reproduction

Answer 3

Reproduction involving two parents. All the offspring are genetically different from each other and the parent

Question 4

Explain advantages of sexual reproduction

Answer 4

If the environment changes, there is a greater chance for the species that some individuals have the genetic makeup to survive and reproduce because all the individuals are genetically different. Over time, the beneficial alleles will become more common in the population and the species has evolved to adapt to the new environment

Question 5

Explain disadvantages of asexual reproduction

Answer 5

Since the offspring are all genetically the same, if a disease affects one individual it will affect them all which can affect the long term survival of the species

Question 6

Explain the disadvantages of sexual reproduction

Answer 6

It often takes time to find a mate so can be slower
It involves combining two parents genetic information so the genetic makeup of the offspring is a random mix. Therefore they might not have the traits seen in the parents