Sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction

sexual

  • two parents, different genders

  • mix of genetic information between two parents

  • through fusion of gametes

  • results in genetically unique offspring → share parents’ features

  • leads to genetic variation in population

  • in animals - testes: male gametes → sperm
    ovaries: female gametes → eggs

  • plants - male gametes → pollen

asexual

  • one parents

  • genetically identical to parent

  • no genetic variation

  • mostly in prokaryotes and unicellular organisms

  • some in plants and animals

  • for example, spider plants can do both but asexually by spiderettes

  • animals - female hammerhead sharks

similarities

  • both processes create offspring

differences

  • two parents, two gametes
    one parent, no gametes

  • genetic variation, genetically identical

sexual reproduction advantages

  • genetic variation from gamete fusion: more likely for species to survive if there is a sudden change in environment like change in temp. or a new predator

comparison

  • one parent

  • less energy to find mate

  • quicker than sexual reproduction

  • more offspring produced if conditions are favourable

  • no genetic variation → more susceptible to changes in environment → species may only be able to survive in one habitat