SB3a Sexual and asexual reproduction

Question 1

What is sexual reproduction?

Answer 1

reproduction involving fertilisation of gametes.

Question 2

What is asexual reproduction?

Answer 2

reproduction involving producing clones that are genetically identical to the parent.

Question 3

In animals, what is asexual reproduction rare in?

Answer 3

vertebrates.

Question 4

In animals, what is asexual reproduction common in?

Answer 4

invertebrates.

Question 5

How do most plants reproduce?

Answer 5

asexually.

Question 6

What are ways plant reproduce asexually? (2)

Answer 6

.Some use runners, special stems that grow out from the adult plant​
.Others can produce new plants from bits of leaves or roots which helps them spread quickly near the parent plant

Question 7

Advantages of sexual reproduction? (3)

Answer 7

.Combines characteristics from both parents, producing offspring that are different from each other
.Variation is advantageous if environmental conditions change e.g. temperature
.Variation means some offspring will be better suited to the new conditions so will be more likely to survive and reproduce

Question 8

Advantages of asexual reproduction? (4)

Answer 8

.Much faster than sexual reproduction as there is no need to find a mate
.This is useful when there are not a lot of resources e.g. food​
.Plants grow rapidly in the summer so aphids reproduce asexually to make the most of all the available food
.Can be used to find cures for diseases

Question 9

Disadvantages of sexual reproduction?

Answer 9

.Need to find a mate

Question 10

Disadvantage of asexual reproduction? (4)

Answer 10

.Reduced variety in species
.Cloned animals have short life spans
.Cloning is regarded as immoral by many people
.Wasteful and expensive process