Question

Why does sexual reproduction result in more genetic diversity than asexual reproduction?

A: Traits from two parents are combined.

B: More organisms reproduce this way.

C: Offspring grow in different environments.

D: Offspring come from identical parents.​

Answer 1

Sexual reproduction involves the combination of traits of both parents. (option A)

• Genetic diversity in a population is the result of several factors such as mutation, recombination or crossing-over of genes.
• During the pachytene stage of Meiosis 1 in eukaryotes, one arm of each of the parental chromosomes form a cross-bridge. The genes of this region are exchanged between the chromosomes.
• Genetic diversity of the offspring is due to the crossing over of the parental genes, which also favours evolution.

Answer 2

Answer:

Sexual reproduction result in more genetic diversity than asexual reproduction because:

A: Traits from two parents are combined.

Explanation:

• The sperm and egg that is produced during sexual reproduction contain different gene combinations as compared to the parent organisms.
• Asexual reproduction doesn't require eggs and sperms production as the splitting of one organism into two occurs thus contains the same combination of genes.
• The huge genetic variation that is produced during sexual reproduction is due to crossing over during meiosis and independent assortment.
• During the process of fertilization, the random union of gametes occurs which is also a reason behind the vast genetic diversity produced in sexual reproduction.