The advantages and disadvantages of sexual and asexual reproduction in plants

Question 1

what are some advantagesof asexual reproduction.

Answer 1

• Onlyone parent is required.
• The overallenergy expenditure to produce additional reproductive structures such as sex cells is significantlyreduced
• Certain traits, such as plant size, colour, scent etc., are all identical. This low diversity amongst a plant populationreduces competitionfor resources between members of the population. In other words, there islow intraspecific competition.
• Noagents for pollinationare required.
• Humans canselectspecific traits to reproduce - if the parent plant has desirable characteristics, the offspring will have the identical characteristics.

Question 2

what are some disadvantagesof asexual reproduction.

Answer 2

• If the parent plant has anydefects orlimitations, the offspring will haveidentical defects and limitations.
• There is very little genetic diversity. Should environmental conditions change too rapidly, low genetic diversity will providevery little chance for survival (high risk of extinction).

Question 3

what are some advantagesof sexual reproduction

Answer 3

• Due to the inheritance of genes (chromosomes) from each parent, flawed (weak) characteristics can be diminished in the offspring.
• There isgreat genetic diversity Should environments change too rapidly, then the high genetic diversity will provide an excellent opportunity for survival (low risk of extinction).

Question 4

what are some disadvantagesof sexual reproduction

Answer 4

• Two parents are required.
• The overallenergy expenditure to produce additional reproductive structures such as sex cells, is high.
• Certain traits such as plant size, colour, scent etc., are all different. This high diversity amongst a plant populationincrease competition for resources between members of the population. In other words, there ishigh intraspecific competition
• Agents for pollination are required.
• Humans cannotselect specific traits to be reproduced - due to the inheritance of genes (chromosomes) from each parent, the outcome of the offspring remainsrandom