Mastery Check #1 - Sexual vs. Asexual reproduction
Sexual reproduction
Sexual reproduction is when there are two parents that both pass on genes to their offspring. The offspring will have traits from both parents. Most complex organisms, like plants and animals do sexual reproduction. Benefits of sexual reproduction The offspring of sexual reproduction have a lot of variety. That means that if there is some kind of change in the environment, they would have a better chance of surviving. Some of the offspring might die, but because others are different, then not all of them will die. If they were all the same, then they could all die if there were a change in the environment. Negatives of sexual reproduction Sexual reproduction takes longer. Organisms have to find a mate, and there is usually a time period where the offspring are developing and have to be taken care of. |
Asexual reproduction
Asexual reproduction is when there is one parent and the offspring are identical to that parent. This happens most commonly in single-celled organisms like bacteria. Benefits of asexual reproduction Asexual reproduction is very fast. Simple organisms can produce a lot of offspring in a very short amount of time. They also don't have to find a mate so that can make it easier to reproduce. Usually they will not take care of their offspring either. Negatives of asexual reproduction The offspring of asexual reproduction are all the same. There is no variety. That means that if there is a change in the environment, then they might all die. |
There are some organisms that can do both sexual and asexual reproduction. To see some examples of different types of reproduction, click on this link.
Examples of sexual and asexual reproduction
Examples of sexual and asexual reproduction