Question

Compare and contrast asexual and sexual reproduction, and explain the advantage(s)/disadvantage(s) of each.

detail

Answer 1

Sexual reproduction is the process of reproduction which involves the fusion of haploid male gametes with haploid female gametes to produce offsprings. Meiosis facilitates production and diversification of gametes.

In contrast, asexual reproduction is the process in which organisms reproduce and produce offsprings by asexual means (ones that doesn't involve fusion of gametes) such as budding, cell division, binary fission, spore formation, etc. Mitosis is the only process that is involved in asexual reproduction.

Advantages and disadvantages of sexual reproduction are:

a.) advantage - genetic variations are produced which also helps them adapt to new environments and survive.

b.) advantage - all individuals won't be affected by a disease due to variations in the genes

c.) disadvantage - requires more time and energy since finding a mate is not an easy task.

d.) disadvantage - a secluded individual without a mate nearby won't be able to reproduce.

Advantages and disadvantages of asexual reproduction are:

a.)advantage - just a single individual is required for reproduction.

b.) advantage - individuals propagate rapidly in conditions that suit them

c.) advantage - more efficient - saves both time and energy which otherwise would have been spent in finding a mate.

d.) disadvantage - traits are carried over without variations making them not suitable to survive different environments.

e.) disadvantage - a disease will affect all the individuals since every one is genetically similar.