Sexual and Asexual Reproduction Flashcards
What is sexual reproduction?
Fusion of the nuclei of male and female gametes during fertilisation to produce genetically different offspring
What does sexual reproduction allow for?
Genetic variation in species
What is asexual reproduction?
Formation of offspring that are genetically identical to parent organism through mitosis or binary fission
What does asexual reproduction not involve?
- The fusion of gametes
2. Change in number of chromosomes
What factor is needed for evolution to occur?
- Mutation in genes inherited by offspring
What are the advantages of sexual reproduction>
- Survival advantage
- species can adapt to new environments b/c it allows for evolution - Always produces genetic variation in offspring
- less likely to become extinct - Faster rate of evolution
What are the diasadvantages of sexual reproduction?1
- Slower rate of population growth
- have to find and impress potential mates - More energy required
What are the advantages of asexual reproduction?
- Only requires one parent
- Faster rate of population growth
- single organism can quickly colonise new area
What are the disadvantages of asexual reproduction?
- No genetic variation unless there is mutation in genes inherited by offspring
- Slower rate of evolution
Why are asexual reproducing species more at risk of extinction>
- Species has identical genes
- Unable to adapt to changes in environment e.g climate, new competitor
- Diseases are likely to wipe out the entire population
Finish the sentence:
“Asexual reproduction does not have a significant impact on evolution b/c…”
The chances of mutations occurring are low
What is evolution?
The change in species over time due to the inheritance of the most favourable traits in offspring
