Sexual and Asexual reproduction

Question 1

What are the disadvantages of needing males?

Answer 1

1. Only half the population can actually reproduce; this reduces the reproductive effectiveness of the population as a whole
2. Combining the genetic material of 2 parents to make new offspring means that only half of each parent’s genome is passed onto the offspring, so this disrupts successful parental genomes

Question 2

Benefits of sexual reproduction?

Answer 2

Increase in genetic variation, which provides the raw material required for natural selection so that organisms can continue adapting

Question 3

What conditions favour Asexual reproduction?

Answer 3

A narrow and stable niche of the organism