Sexual reproduction makes use of meiosis, which has the unique property of introducing variation in the offspring by means of recombination. Asexual reproduction, which depends on mitosis, can only rely on mutations as a source of variation. Mutations, however, are rarer and more unpredictable than recombination and are not suited to rapidly create a new variation of the old strain that is specifically more adapted to the current environment.
the main purpose (advantage) of sexual reproduction is that it creates genetic diversity within the population or species. It doe sthis by creating new and unique combinations of genes (and thus traits) by mixing the genes for each trait from the two parents.
Asexual reproduction is an advantage in a stable environment. This is because it produces offspring genetically identical to the parent which is already well adapted and suited to the environment. Because the parent is well adapted, all its offspring will be too, increasing their chances of survival in a stable environment. This contrasts sexual reproduction where each offspring is slightly different to the parent and therefore isn't suited exactly the same way as the parent is to the environment. Some of the offspring will adapt and survive but the others won't. Sexual is also best for changing environment Asexual is best for stable environment Asexual reproduction is also advantageous when species numbers are low, as the requirement of a mate to reproduce doesn't exist.
Sexual reproduction
switching between sexual and asexual reproduction
Genetic variation allows a population to adapt to a changing environment.
In asexual reproduction the organism makes identical copies of itself. This is OK if it is successful in its environment and the organism's environment is not changing. However environments are constantly changing, so the organism must adapt. Sexual reproduction ensures genetic diversity in the progeny. This way if the environment becomes harsh but if one or a few of the progeny have new traits that can help it survive in this environment, it is more likely to reach adulthood and reproduce. (This is essentialy how evolution works although this is a very simplified model). In other words, sexual reproduction speeds up evolution, making it less likely for the species to become extinct, but it has some disadvantages.
In asexual reproduction the organism makes identical copies of itself. This is OK if it is successful in its environment and the organism's environment is not changing. However environments are constantly changing, so the organism must adapt. Sexual reproduction ensures genetic diversity in the progeny. This way if the environment becomes harsh but if one or a few of the progeny have new traits that can help it survive in this environment, it is more likely to reach adulthood and reproduce. (This is essentialy how evolution works although this is a very simplified model). In other words, sexual reproduction speeds up evolution, making it less likely for the species to become extinct, but it has some disadvantages.
In asexual reproduction the organism makes identical copies of itself. This is OK if it is successful in its environment and the organism's environment is not changing. However environments are constantly changing, so the organism must adapt. Sexual reproduction ensures genetic diversity in the progeny. This way if the environment becomes harsh but if one or a few of the progeny have new traits that can help it survive in this environment, it is more likely to reach adulthood and reproduce. (This is essentialy how evolution works although this is a very simplified model). In other words, sexual reproduction speeds up evolution, making it less likely for the species to become extinct, but it has some disadvantages.
In asexual reproduction the organism makes identical copies of itself. This is OK if it is successful in its environment and the organism's environment is not changing. However environments are constantly changing, so the organism must adapt. Sexual reproduction ensures genetic diversity in the progeny. This way if the environment becomes harsh but if one or a few of the progeny have new traits that can help it survive in this environment, it is more likely to reach adulthood and reproduce. (This is essentialy how evolution works although this is a very simplified model). In other words, sexual reproduction speeds up evolution, making it less likely for the species to become extinct, but it has some disadvantages.
In asexual reproduction the organism makes identical copies of itself. This is OK if it is successful in its environment and the organism's environment is not changing. However environments are constantly changing, so the organism must adapt. Sexual reproduction ensures genetic diversity in the progeny. This way if the environment becomes harsh but if one or a few of the progeny have new traits that can help it survive in this environment, it is more likely to reach adulthood and reproduce. (This is essentialy how evolution works although this is a very simplified model). In other words, sexual reproduction speeds up evolution, making it less likely for the species to become extinct, but it has some disadvantages.
In asexual reproduction the organism makes identical copies of itself. This is OK if it is successful in its environment and the organism's environment is not changing. However environments are constantly changing, so the organism must adapt. Sexual reproduction ensures genetic diversity in the progeny. This way if the environment becomes harsh but if one or a few of the progeny have new traits that can help it survive in this environment, it is more likely to reach adulthood and reproduce. (This is essentialy how evolution works although this is a very simplified model). In other words, sexual reproduction speeds up evolution, making it less likely for the species to become extinct, but it has some disadvantages.
Sexual. Sex allows for more variation in offspring thus increasing the chances for survival.