Which of the following is a disadvantage of sexual reproduction in organisms?

• A. It requires finding and attracting a mate, which can be energetically costly.
• B. It eliminates the risk of genetic variation.
• C. It allows for rapid population growth in stable environments.
• D. It produces genetically identical offspring.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of sexual reproduction: Sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, resulting in offspring with genetic variation. This process typically requires finding and attracting a mate.
2. Analyze the disadvantages of sexual reproduction: While genetic variation is beneficial for adaptation, sexual reproduction can be energetically costly due to the need to find and attract mates, which may involve complex behaviors or resource expenditure.
3. Evaluate the incorrect options: 'It eliminates the risk of genetic variation' is incorrect because sexual reproduction promotes genetic variation. 'It allows for rapid population growth in stable environments' is incorrect because sexual reproduction is generally slower compared to asexual reproduction. 'It produces genetically identical offspring' is incorrect because sexual reproduction results in genetically diverse offspring.
4. Identify the correct disadvantage: The correct disadvantage is that sexual reproduction requires finding and attracting a mate, which can be energetically costly.
5. Summarize the reasoning: Sexual reproduction has advantages like genetic variation, but its disadvantages include the energy and time required to find and attract mates, making it less efficient in certain contexts compared to asexual reproduction.