Comparing asexual and sexual reproduction

• What type of cell division is involved in asexual reproduction?

  Mitosis
• What are the advantages of asexual reproduction?

  • Produces many offspring quickly
  • Only one parent is needed
  • Can reproduce in favorable conditions without waiting for a mate
• How quickly can bacteria like *E. coli* divide?

  Every half an hour
• What are the disadvantages of asexual reproduction?

  • No genetic variation between offspring
  • Whole population can be affected by environmental changes
  • Example: Black Sigatoka disease affects banana plants
• What is a consequence of asexual reproduction in terms of genetic variation?

  There is no genetic variation between offspring
• How does asexual reproduction affect a population during an outbreak of disease?

  The whole population can be affected as there are no resistant individuals
• What are the advantages of sexual reproduction?

  • Creates genetic variation within the population
  • Increases the likelihood of survival under changing environmental conditions
  • Leads to evolution and adaptation over time
• What is a disadvantage of sexual reproduction in terms of offspring production?

  It takes more time and energy, resulting in fewer offspring
• Why do organisms need to find and attract mates in sexual reproduction?

  Because two parents are needed for sexual reproduction
• What is an example of a species that may have difficulty finding a mate due to isolation?

  Polar bears
• What are the disadvantages of sexual reproduction?

  • Takes more time and energy
  • Requires two parents, which can be problematic if individuals are isolated
• How do asexual and sexual reproduction compare in terms of offspring production and genetic variation?

  • Asexual reproduction:
  • Produces many offspring quickly
  • No genetic variation
  • Sexual reproduction:
  • Produces fewer offspring
  • High genetic variation