sexual

• • Production of genetically different offspring from 2 parents (comprises a mixture of the parent's genetic material). Examples include external/internal fertilisation and pollination
• • Advantage: sexual reproduction is genetic diversity providing the continuity of a species. This means offspring possess random variations, as a result of meiosis, random fertilisation and mutation, allowing them to survive and adapt to new environmental conditions. However, the disadvantage is that this process demands a great expenditure of time, and energy and increases vulnerability to predators. 
• +

  • Fertilisation is less risky and the young are more likely to survive
• +

  • Unfavourable genetic variation is eliminated from the population more efficiently
• +

  • Generates genetic variation through mutations, random fertilisation of gametes and recombination during meiosis, and selects for beneficial genetic variation more efficiently, as offsprings are genetically identical to parents
• +

  • Populations are better able to adapt to and survive changing environmental conditions, allowing a better chance of survival
• +

  • Improves long-term evolutionary potential populations
• -

  • Slower reproductive rate– fewer offspring are produced over a longer time period
• -

  • Greater expenditure of time – finding a suitable mating partner and courtship behaviour, meaning organisms are more vulnerable to predators
• -

  • Potential for spread of sexually transmitted diseases throughout population
• -

  • Energetically costly– gametes production, mating, gestation and rearing young requires a lot of ongoing energy input from the parent