Sexual and Asexual Reproduction

These flashcards cover the main concepts of sexual and asexual reproduction, including definitions, advantages, and disadvantages.

What occurs in sexual reproduction?

A female gamete unites with a male gamete to create offspring that are genetically a recombination of both parents.

What is genetic variation?

Genetic variation is the differences in traits among individuals within a population, which can provide advantages in changing environments.

What is one advantage of sexual reproduction?

Offspring inherit half their DNA from each parent, leading to genetic variation.

What is the main disadvantage of sexual reproduction?

Sexual reproduction requires more time and energy to find mates and produce sex cells.

Define self-pollination in plants.

Self-pollination is when pollen from the anther is deposited on the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant.

What is cross-pollination?

Cross-pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower on a different individual of the same species.

Name one method of insect pollination.

Bees are important pollinators, attracted to brightly colored flowers with a strong aroma.

What is the role of bats in pollination?

Bats pollinate nocturnal flowers that are large, white, and have a fruity or musky fragrance.

What is parthenogenesis?

Parthenogenesis is reproduction from an unfertilized egg, producing offspring that are clones of the mother.

What is vegetative propagation?

Vegetative propagation is a form of asexual reproduction where new plants emerge from vegetative parts like stems, leaves, and roots.

Explain the process of budding.

Budding is when a new organism grows off the side of an adult and remains attached until it matures.

What is binary fission?

Binary fission is an asexual reproduction method in which a single cell divides to form two identical cells.

What happens during fragmentation?

Fragmentation occurs when a piece of an organism breaks off and forms a new organism, with the original regenerating the lost piece.

Describe the significance of hermaphroditism.

Hermaphroditism is when one individual has both male and female reproductive systems, allowing for self-fertilization or mating.

What disadvantage arises from asexual reproduction?

Asexual reproduction leads to genetically identical offspring, limiting genetic diversity and possible adaptability.