Pros and Cons of sexual/asexual reproduction

• What are the two ways organisms can reproduce?

  Sexual and asexual reproduction
• What is sexual reproduction?

  Fusion of two gametes like sperm and egg
• What is asexual reproduction?

  Uses mitosis to form identical clones
• What are the advantages of asexual reproduction?

  • Only one parent needed
  • Process is very quick
  • Rapid colonization of new areas
• How quickly can a single bacterium reproduce under ideal conditions?

  Within just a couple of days
• What happens when a single seed is blown into a new habitat?

  It may reproduce asexually to colonize
• What are the disadvantages of asexual reproduction?

  • No genetic variation among offspring
  • Susceptibility to diseases
  • Less adaptability to new conditions
• What is the main benefit of sexual reproduction?

  It leads to genetic variation in the population
• How does genetic variation affect a population's survival?

  It reduces the risk of population wipeout
• What is evolution?

  Process by which species change over time
• What is the main disadvantage of sexual reproduction?

  It takes more time and energy than asexual
• Why do some birds have colorful feathers?

  To impress their potential mates
• What is the purpose of impressing a mate in sexual reproduction?

  To attract potential mates for reproduction
• What is the main process of asexual reproduction?

  • Mitosis
  • Formation of identical clones