Asexual vs. Sexual Reproduction

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a key difference between asexual and sexual reproduction?

  • Asexual reproduction is faster and more efficient; sexual reproduction leads to genetic variation. (correct)
  • Asexual reproduction involves meiosis; sexual reproduction involves mitosis.
  • Asexual reproduction requires two parents; sexual reproduction requires only one parent.
  • Asexual reproduction produces genetically diverse offspring; sexual reproduction produces clones.

A gardener discovers that their potato plants are producing new plants from underground stems. Which type of asexual reproduction is this?

  • Parthenogenesis
  • Budding
  • Fragmentation
  • Vegetative reproduction (correct)

In what way does genetic variation benefit organisms that reproduce sexually?

  • It ensures offspring are identical to the parents, preserving successful traits.
  • It allows for faster population growth in stable environments.
  • It simplifies the reproductive process by eliminating the need for a mate.
  • It enhances adaptation to changing environments and allows removal of harmful mutations. (correct)

Starfish can regenerate an entire body from a detached arm. Which type of asexual reproduction does this represent?

<p>Fragmentation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a farmer prefer asexual reproduction over sexual reproduction for a specific crop?

<p>To rapidly produce a large number of identical plants with desirable traits. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A population of bacteria reproduces asexually. What is the most likely source of genetic variation within this population?

<p>Mutations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a harmful mutation arises in an asexually reproducing population, what is the most likely outcome?

<p>The mutation is likely to spread to the entire population. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Many fungi reproduce through spore formation. What is a major advantage of this method of asexual reproduction?

<p>Spores are easily dispersed, allowing for rapid colonization of new environments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Some organisms can switch between asexual and sexual reproduction. Under what conditions might an organism favor sexual reproduction?

<p>When the environment is changing and adaptation is necessary. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process contributes LEAST to genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms?

<p>Binary fission of bacteria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving one parent, producing genetically identical offspring.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving two parents, producing genetically unique offspring.

Binary Fission

Asexual reproduction that involves the division of a single cell into two identical cells.

Budding

Asexual reproduction where a new organism grows out of the parent's body.

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Fragmentation

Asexual reproduction where the parent organism breaks into fragments, each growing into a new individual.

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Parthenogenesis

Asexual reproduction where an egg develops without fertilization.

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Vegetative Reproduction

Asexual reproduction where new plants grow from parts of the parent plant.

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Spore Formation

Asexual reproduction where spores develop into new organisms.

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Sources of Genetic Variation

Genetic variation arises from these key processes in sexual reproduction.

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Alternation of Generations

Some organisms can shift between these two reproductive strategies.

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Study Notes

  • Asexual reproduction involves one parent and offspring are genetically identical to the parent.
  • Sexual reproduction involves two parents and offspring are genetically unique.

Differences Between Asexual and Sexual Reproduction

  • Asexual reproduction involves mitosis. Sexual reproduction involves meiosis.
  • Asexual reproduction results in clones. Sexual reproduction results in diverse offspring.
  • Asexual reproduction is faster and more efficient. Sexual reproduction is slower and less efficient.
  • Asexual reproduction occurs in unicellular and some multicellular organisms. Sexual reproduction occurs in most multicellular organisms.

Types of Asexual Reproduction

  • Binary fission: A single cell divides into two identical cells (e.g., bacteria).
  • Budding: A new organism grows out of the parent's body (e.g., yeast, hydra).
  • Fragmentation: The parent organism breaks into fragments, each capable of growing into a new individual (e.g., starfish, planarians).
  • Parthenogenesis: An egg develops without being fertilized (e.g., some insects, fish, reptiles).
  • Vegetative reproduction: New plants grow from parts of the parent plant (e.g., runners, bulbs, tubers).
  • Spore formation: Spores develop into new individuals (e.g., fungi, bacteria).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction

  • Advantages: Rapid population growth, no need for a mate, well-suited to stable environments.
  • Disadvantages: Lack of genetic variation, vulnerable to changes in the environment.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sexual Reproduction

  • Advantages: Genetic variation, better adaptation to changing environments, removal of harmful mutations.
  • Disadvantages: Slower population growth, need for a mate, more complex process.

Genetic Variation in Reproduction

  • Mutations, independent assortment, crossing over, and random fertilization lead to genetic variation in sexually reproducing populations.
  • Genetic variation is essential for adaptation and evolution.

Life Cycles of Organisms

  • Life cycles vary among organisms.
  • Some organisms reproduce asexually, others sexually, and some alternate between both.

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