Asexual reproduction

• Asexual reproduction does not involve sex cells or fertilisation.
• • Only one parent is required so there is no fusion of gametes and no mixing of genetic information
• Offspring are genetically identical to the parent (clones)
• • Asexual reproduction is defined as a process resulting in genetically identical offspring from one parent
• • Advantage: The population can be increased rapidly when conditions are right
• • Advantage: Can exploit suitable environments quickly
• • Advantage: More time and energy-efficient
• • Advantage: Reproduction is completed much faster than sexual reproduction
• • Disadvantage: Limited genetic variation in population - offspring are genetically identical to their parents
• • Disadvantage: The population is vulnerable to changes in conditions and may only be suited for one habitat
• • Disadvantage: Disease is likely to affect the whole population as there is no genetic variation