Which reproductive strategy results in greater genetic variation among the offspring?

• A. Budding
• B. Sexual reproduction
• C. Binary fission
• D. Asexual reproduction

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the two main types of reproduction: asexual and sexual. Asexual reproduction involves a single parent and produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. Examples include budding and binary fission.
2. Recognize that sexual reproduction involves two parents and the combination of their genetic material, resulting in offspring with genetic variation.
3. Consider the process of sexual reproduction, which includes meiosis and fertilization. Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes by half, creating gametes (sperm and egg cells) with varied genetic combinations.
4. During fertilization, the fusion of two gametes from different parents results in a zygote with a unique genetic makeup, contributing to genetic diversity among offspring.
5. Compare the genetic outcomes: Asexual reproduction produces clones with no genetic variation, while sexual reproduction results in offspring with greater genetic variation due to the mixing of parental genes.