Which of the following statements reflects an advantage that sexual reproduction likely provides over asexual reproduction?

• A. In terms of energetic costs, sexual reproduction is a cheaper strategy than asexual reproduction for generating genetic variation in a population.
• B. Although sexual and asexual reproduction both offer opportunities for increasing genetic variation, sexual reproduction is comparatively lower in its energetic costs to the organism.
• C. Sexual reproduction maintains the same combination of alleles and does not run the risk of losing successful combinations of alleles as is observed to occur in asexually reproducing organisms.
• D. Although both reproductive strategies perpetuate the same combination of alleles within individuals in a population, sexual reproduction is energetically less costly than asexual reproduction.
• E. Although energetically more costly than asexual reproduction, sexual reproduction leads to different combinations of alleles that could provide adaptability in a changing environment.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key difference between sexual and asexual reproduction: Sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, leading to genetic variation, while asexual reproduction involves a single organism reproducing without genetic exchange, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.
2. Consider the role of genetic variation: Genetic variation is crucial for the adaptability and survival of a species in changing environments. It allows populations to adapt to new challenges such as diseases, climate changes, and other environmental pressures.
3. Evaluate the energetic costs: Sexual reproduction typically requires more energy than asexual reproduction due to the processes of finding a mate, gamete production, and fertilization. However, the genetic variation it introduces can be advantageous for long-term survival.
4. Analyze the statements: The correct statement should reflect the advantage of genetic variation provided by sexual reproduction, despite its higher energetic costs, which is crucial for adaptability in changing environments.
5. Identify the correct statement: The statement that highlights the advantage of sexual reproduction in providing different combinations of alleles, which could enhance adaptability in a changing environment, is the correct choice.