Sexual Reproduction – Requirements, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Question‐and‐answer flashcards covering key requirements, advantages, and disadvantages of sexual reproduction.

What parental arrangement is required for sexual reproduction to occur?

The involvement of two parents, one male and one female.

What type of genetic outcome is typical of offspring produced by sexual reproduction?

They are genetically varied (exhibit genetic variation).

Which specific type of cell division is necessary for gamete formation in sexual reproduction?

Meiosis.

After gamete formation, what key event must take place for sexual reproduction to succeed?

Fertilisation of the male and female gametes.

In flowering plants, on what critical agents is sexual reproduction often dependent for transferring gametes?

Pollinators (e.g., insects, birds, wind, etc.).

How does sexual reproduction help a species colonise new areas?

Seed dispersal spreads offspring away from the parent, reducing competition and enabling colonisation of new habitats.

Why does sexual reproduction increase a species’ adaptability?

Genetic variation among offspring provides a broader range of traits to survive changing environments.

How does sexual reproduction decrease the risk of a species’ extinction during environmental changes?

Genetic diversity means some individuals are more likely to possess traits that suit the new conditions.

What advantage do sexually produced seeds have in harsh climates?

Seeds from sexual reproduction can tolerate more severe climatic conditions.

Why are populations produced by sexual reproduction generally less vulnerable to disease?

Genetic variability reduces the likelihood that a single pathogen can wipe out all individuals.

What is one major energetic disadvantage of sexual reproduction compared to asexual reproduction?

It requires more time and energy to find mates, produce gametes, and achieve fertilisation.

Why do organisms that reproduce sexually often produce fewer offspring than those reproducing asexually?

Resources are spent on mate finding, gamete production, and developing fewer but more resource‐intensive offspring.

What reproductive limitation do many flowering plants face because of their reliance on pollinators?

Their ability to reproduce is restricted if pollinators are scarce or absent, hindering gamete transfer and fertilisation.