sexual and asexual reproduction

• Asexual reproduction:

  • Only one parent is needed
  • Process is very quick
  • Allows a single organism to quickly colonize a new area
  • Offspring are clones with no genetic variation
  • Susceptibility to a new disease can wipe out the whole population
  • Organisms have less chance of adapting to new conditions
• Sexual reproduction:

  • Leads to genetic variation within the population
  • Population is less likely to get wiped out by a single event like a new disease
  • Allows for evolution to take place
  • Most favorable traits are most likely to be passed on each generation
  • Takes more time and energy than asexual reproduction
  • Animals have to find potential mates and impress them
  • Colorful feathers in birds are used for impressing mates