Question

select the correct answer.

which is an advantage of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction?

• increased number of organisms and decreased genetic variation
• increased genetic variation
• doesnt require an organism to find a mate
• decreased genetic variation
• decreased genetic variation and decreased number of organisms

Explanation:

Analyze the mechanisms of reproduction

Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of haploid gametes from two parents, leading to unique genetic combinations in offspring through crossing over, independent assortment, and random fertilization. Asexual reproduction involves a single parent producing genetically identical offspring (clones).

Evaluate the advantages of sexual reproduction

The primary evolutionary advantage of sexual reproduction is the generation of genetic diversity among offspring, which enhances a population's ability to adapt to changing environments and survive diseases.

Compare with the given options

• "Increased number of organisms and decreased genetic variation": Incorrect, as sexual reproduction typically produces fewer offspring than asexual reproduction and increases genetic variation.
• "Increased genetic variation": Correct, as this is the primary advantage of sexual reproduction.
• "doesn't require an organism to find a mate": Incorrect, this is an advantage of asexual reproduction.
• "decreased genetic variation": Incorrect, this is a characteristic of asexual reproduction.
• "decreased genetic variation and decreased number of organisms": Incorrect.

Answer:

• Increased number of organisms and decreased genetic variation
• Increased genetic variation (Correct answer)
• doesn't require an organism to find a mate
• decreased genetic variation
• decreased genetic variation and decreased number of organisms