Question

asexual reproduction differs from sexual reproduction is that it requires only one organism and, thus, one set of genes. which of the following would you expect in the genetic material of sexually reproducing organisms?
a. showing more genetic variation
b. less genetic material
c. contains fewer mutations
d. simple and lacking detail

Explanation:

In sexual reproduction, offspring inherit genetic material from two parents (one set from each), leading to a combination of genes. This process (like meiosis and fertilization) introduces more genetic variation compared to asexual reproduction, where offspring are genetically identical to the single parent (since only one set of genes is involved, with little to no variation from that parent’s genome). Option B is incorrect because sexual reproduction doesn’t have “less” genetic material—offspring get genetic material from two sources, but the total amount (e.g., number of chromosomes in diploid organisms) is typically consistent with the species’ normal ploidy. Option C is wrong because mutations can occur in both sexual and asexual reproduction, and sexual reproduction doesn’t inherently have “fewer” mutations. Option D is incorrect as sexual reproduction’s genetic material is complex (due to recombination) and not “simple/lacking detail.” So the correct answer is A.

Answer:

A. showing more genetic variation