mutation of the DNA is the only way asexually reproducing organisms can obtain variations in their population
Variation or mutation occurs within the DNA. It is a natural result of the replication process, or the copying of one DNA strand to make new DNA during reproduction. If the new mutation ends up making some kind of variation that does not kill the organism, then the variation will be passed on to new generations. This is how new traits are formed. When the variation is actually more useful than a trait that the organism's parents had, that new variation will be passed along as a survival trait.
Lamarck and Darwin both agreed on the idea that organisms change over time and that these changes can lead to the evolution of new species. They recognized the influence of the environment on the traits of organisms, suggesting that adaptations can arise in response to environmental pressures. Additionally, both scientists acknowledged the importance of variation within species, although they differed significantly in their explanations of how these changes occur.
Darwin made bold assumptions about heritable variation, the age of Earth, and relationships among organisms. First, in order for beak size and shape to evolve, there must be enough heritable variation in those traits to provide raw material for natural selection. Second, differences in beak size and shape must produce differences in fitness that cause natural selection to occur.
Sponges can reproduce sexually or asexually. They can reproduce through producing eggs and sperm that are released into the water where they can combine to form larvae. Asexual reproduction can occur through budding, fragmentation, or producing gemmules.
If there were no differences in an organisms ability to survive and reproduce what would there be to select from? Variation in populations is key to the naturally selective process and these variations that are reproductively successful are passed on to progeny which leads to the change in populations over time called evolution.
No, meiosis does not occur in all growing organisms. Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms to produce gametes (eggs and sperm). Organisms that reproduce asexually, such as bacteria and some plants, do not undergo meiosis.
Organisms that reproduce asexually, such as certain bacteria, archaea, and some plants and fungi, typically exhibit little to no genetic variation. This is because they replicate their genetic material without the process of meiosis, leading to offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. However, mutations can still occur, introducing some level of variation over time. In contrast, sexually reproducing organisms tend to have greater genetic diversity due to the mixing of parental genes.
If meiosis did not occur in sexually reproducing organisms, the chromosome number would double in each generation. Sexual reproduction results in new combinations of genetic traits.
Variations arise due to recombinations(gene rearrangements) ,mutations etc.The former is the principal source of variation in sexually reproducing organisms and the latter is the source of variation in asexual organisms.According to Darwin variation arises due to chance since all the above mentioned process occur in nature spontanuously all organisms show variation
it is difficult to use criterion of interbreeding to define species of unicellular organisms because not all organisms undergo the same process. these species come from the class and groups thus making it even harder.
Some animals can reproduce asexually (without a mate) their offspring are therefore clones of themselves. ex. Sponges reproduce asexually through budding or fragmentation. Even some higher order animals such as certain lizards are capable of reproducing asexually, this is called parthenogenesis.
If meiosis did not occur then the chromosome number would double each generation, and the cell could not survive with this increasingly larger number of chromosomes.
Evolution cannot occur.
In sexually reproducing organisms, mutations can be inherited if they occur in the germ cells, which are the reproductive cells (sperm and eggs). These mutations can be passed on to the next generation during fertilization, potentially affecting the offspring's traits. Mutations in somatic cells, on the other hand, do not get passed to future generations.
Yes, reproduction can occur both asexually and sexually in living things. Asexual reproduction involves only one parent and produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. Sexual reproduction involves two parents and results in genetic variation among the offspring.
If meiosis did not occur and produce sex cells, organisms would not be able to undergo sexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction is important for genetic diversity and the survival of species. Without meiosis, organisms would reproduce asexually and genetic variation would decrease, potentially leading to detrimental effects on the species' ability to adapt to changing environments.
No, asexual reproduction can occur in both unicellular and multicellular organisms. In unicellular organisms, it typically involves cell division, while in multicellular organisms, it can involve processes like budding or fragmentation.