Question

what is the main advantage that species that reproduce sexually have over those that reproduce asexually?
since asexually reproducing species are not limited on how many clones can form and sexually reproducing species are limited to the number of gametes they can form, sexually reproducing species have a lower demand for resources on their environments and will not deplete those resources, thus increasing the chance of species survival of the long - term.
sexually reproducing organisms generate high levels of genetic variation through mechanisms such as independent assortment, crossing over, random fertilization, and random mutation, while asexually reproducing organisms can only generate genetic variation through random mutation, which results in less variation across generations.
some sexually reproducing species have two forms, a gametophyte and sporophyte. since these forms are often dissimilar in appearance, the rate of predation is lower because most predators are only able to recognize one form or the other, but not both, compared to sexually reproducing organisms which have only one form. thus, asexually reproducing species have a higher chance of survival over the long term.
because it takes two cells to generate one offspring in sexually reproducing organisms, the demand for resources on the environment by those organisms is lower compared to asexually reproducing organisms. thus, sexually reproducing species have a higher chance of long - term survival in a given environment to which they are adapted because they are less likely to deplete the resources necessary for survival.

Explanation:

Sexual reproduction involves processes like independent assortment, crossing - over, and random fertilization, which create genetic variation. Asexual reproduction mainly relies on random mutation for variation. Genetic variation is crucial for a species' adaptability and long - term survival as it provides more traits that can be selected for in changing environments.

Answer:

Sexualy reproducing organisms generate high levels of genetic variation through mechanisms such as independent assortment, crossing over, random fertilization, and random mutation, while asexually reproducing organisms can only generate genetic variation through random mutation, which results in less variation across generations.