Asexual and sexual reproductionEffects of asexual and sexual reproduction

Bacteria and plants can reproduce asexually to produce genetically identical individuals. Sexual reproduction, involving the fusion of gametes introduces variety into animal and plant species.

Part ofScienceInheritance

Effects of asexual and sexual reproduction

Type of reproductionEffects of type of reproduction
Asexual Reproduction
  • Allows species to grow numbers rapidly
  • Little or no parental care
  • All successful genes will be passed on to all offspring
  • As there is no mate required it allows individuals that live in isolation to reproduce successfully
Sexual Reproduction
  • Increase genetic variation (differences) in a population. The offspring will be different form all other members of the species
  • Each offspring has a unique combination of genes, half passed on from its mother and half passed on from its father
  • Increased variation ensures survival of the species as individuals may have genes that give them better characteristics e.g. disease resistance. This means they are more likely to survive and thrive in a changing environment
Type of reproductionAsexual Reproduction
Effects of type of reproduction
  • Allows species to grow numbers rapidly
  • Little or no parental care
  • All successful genes will be passed on to all offspring
  • As there is no mate required it allows individuals that live in isolation to reproduce successfully
Type of reproductionSexual Reproduction
Effects of type of reproduction
  • Increase genetic variation (differences) in a population. The offspring will be different form all other members of the species
  • Each offspring has a unique combination of genes, half passed on from its mother and half passed on from its father
  • Increased variation ensures survival of the species as individuals may have genes that give them better characteristics e.g. disease resistance. This means they are more likely to survive and thrive in a changing environment

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