B5.1.2

Question 1

What is asexual reproduction

Answer 1

Where each new organisms produced is a clone of its parent.

Question 2

What is a clone

Answer 2

A clone is an organism that is genetically identical to its parent.

Question 3

What does sexual reproduction require

Answer 3

Sexual reproduction requires two parents. Genetic information taken from both parents, so offspring produced are not identical.

Question 4

What do organisms produce

Answer 4

Organisms produce se cells called gametes. Sperm (male) + Ova (female). They fuse together in fertilisation, the egg then develops into offspring.

Question 5

What are the advantages of asexual reproduction (1)

Answer 5

If the parent is well adapted to an area, the offspring will share an identical set of characteristics.

Question 6

What are the advantages of asexual reproduction (2)

Answer 6

Only one parent is needed. Animals don’t need to find a partner. So reproduction is quicker, so large numbers of offspring are produced quickly.

Question 7

What are the advantages of sexual reproduction (1)

Answer 7

Variation in offspring leads to adaptations in a species. Within the population some organisms will contain the adaptations to cope with environmental pressure. The organisms reproduce, enabling the population to continue.

Question 8

What are the disadvantages of asexual reproduction (1)

Answer 8

Adverse changes to the biotic or abiotic factors may destroy the species, as all organisms will be affected.

Question 9

What are the disadvantages of sexual reproduction (1)

Answer 9

Reproduction requires two parents. Reproduction is slower, so few offspring are produced.