Practice question · Sort into groups
Sort each feature by the mode of reproduction it belongs to.
Groups: Asexual reproduction · Sexual reproduction
- Offspring are genetically identical to the parent
- Each parent contributes half of the offspring genome
- Meiosis and fertilisation are both involved
- Offspring differ genetically from both parents
- No partner is required
- The parent passes on all of its genes
Hints
- The dividing question is whether genomes are combined.
- Passing on all your genes is the asexual advantage; passing on half is the cost of sex.
Show the answer
Asexual reproduction: Offspring are genetically identical to the parent, No partner is required, The parent passes on all of its genes
Sexual reproduction: Offspring differ genetically from both parents, Each parent contributes half of the offspring genome, Meiosis and fertilisation are both involved
Why
Asexual reproduction is efficient and conservative; sexual reproduction is costly and generative. The 100 % versus 50 % gene transmission is precisely the twofold cost that any explanation of sex has to overcome.
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