Question

which of the following statements correctly describes the differences between sexual and asexual reproduction?
○ in sexual reproduction, offspring vary genetically from their siblings and both parents.
○ asexual reproduction produces offspring that vary genetically from the parent.
○ asexual reproduction, but not sexual reproduction, is characteristic of all living organisms.
○ in asexual reproduction, offspring are produced by fertilization of sperm and egg.

Explanation:

• Option 1: Fertilization of sperm and egg is sexual reproduction, not asexual.
• Option 2: Asexual reproduction is not characteristic of all living organisms (e.g., many animals reproduce sexually).
• Option 3: Asexual reproduction produces offspring that are clones (genetically identical to the parent, barring mutations).
• Option 4: In sexual reproduction, offspring get genetic material from both parents, leading to genetic variation among siblings and compared to parents.

Answer:

In sexual reproduction, offspring vary genetically from their siblings and both parents.