Question

read the newsela article on common types of asexual reproduction to answer the following questi
what is one major disadvantage of asexual reproduction?
it can only happen in changing environments
it requires too much energy
it produces too few offspring
it results in a lack of genetic variation

Explanation:

Asexual reproduction involves only one parent. Since there is no combination of genetic material from two parents (as in sexual reproduction), offspring are genetically identical to the parent. This lack of genetic variation means that if the environment changes (e.g., a new disease emerges, or there are changes in climate), the entire population (which has similar genetic makeup) may be at risk. In sexual reproduction, genetic variation from combining genetic material of two parents can lead to some individuals having traits that help them survive in changing environments. Asexual reproduction does not have this advantage of genetic diversity. Also, asexual reproduction can happen in stable environments (not just changing ones), it is often energy - efficient (as it doesn't require finding a mate etc.), and many asexual reproducers (like bacteria through binary fission) can produce a large number of offspring quickly.

Answer:

It results in a lack of genetic variation.