AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -There is usually extensive genetic variation within a population of organisms or a species. The advantages of sexual reproduction: it produces variation in the offspring. the species can adapt to new environments due to variation, which gives them a survival advantage.

Detailed explanation-2: -During sexual reproduction the genetic material of two individuals is combined to produce genetically diverse offspring that differ from their parents. The genetic diversity of sexually produced offspring is thought to give species a better chance of surviving in an unpredictable or changing environment.

Detailed explanation-3: -Sexual reproduction has the potential to produce tremendous genetic variation in offspring. This variation is due to independent assortment and crossing-over during meiosis, and random union of gametes during fertilization.

Detailed explanation-4: -In asexual reproduction an exact genetic copy of the parent organism is produced (a clone ). Unlike sexual reproduction, asexual reproduction only introduces genetic variation into the population if a random mutation in the organism’s DNA is passed on to the offspring.