SB3a Sexual and asexual reproduction

Question 1

Describe features of asexual reproduction

Answer 1

Asexual reproduction does not involve sex cells or fertilisation .
Only one parent is required, unlike sexual reproduction which needs two parents the offspring are genetically identical to the parent and to each other.

Question 2

Explain how some features of asexual reproduction can be disadvantageous

Answer 2

does not lead to genetic variation in a population.
the species may only be suited to one habitat.
disease may affect all the individuals in a population.

Question 3

Explain how some features of asexual reproduction can be advantageous

Answer 3

population can increase rapidly when the conditions are favourable. it is more time and energy efficient as you don’t need a mate. it is faster than sexual reproduction.

Question 4

Describe features of sexual reproduction

Answer 4

Slow
Requires mate
vacation in offspring

Question 5

Explain how some features of asexual reproduction can be disadvantageous

Answer 5

A disadvantage is that sexual reproduction takes longer than asexual reproduction. A mate must be found, the egg must be fertilised by sperm

Question 6

Explain how some features of asexual reproduction can be advantageous

Answer 6

The offspring inherit a mixture of genes from both parents, so are different to each other and their parents. the species can adapt to new environments due to variation, which gives them a survival advantage. a disease is less likely to affect all the individuals in a population.