What is the primary difference between sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction in terms of genetic variation?

• A. Sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation due to the combination of genetic material from two parents.
• B. Asexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation due to the combination of genetic material from two parents.
• C. Asexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes from two parents.
• D. Sexual reproduction produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic definitions: Sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, leading to genetic variation in the offspring. Asexual reproduction involves a single organism reproducing without the fusion of gametes, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.
2. Identify the key process in sexual reproduction: The fusion of gametes (sperm and egg) from two different parents. This process is called fertilization and it introduces genetic variation.
3. Recognize the key process in asexual reproduction: It typically involves processes like binary fission, budding, or vegetative propagation, where the offspring are clones of the parent, meaning they have identical genetic material.
4. Consider the role of meiosis in sexual reproduction: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four genetically diverse gametes. This contributes to genetic variation in sexual reproduction.
5. Compare the outcomes: Sexual reproduction results in genetically diverse offspring due to the combination of different alleles from two parents, while asexual reproduction results in offspring that are genetically identical to the single parent, barring any mutations.