What is the key advantage of sexual reproduction?

What is the key advantage of sexual reproduction?

• A. greater genetic variation
• B. less energy required
• C. identical offspring to parents
• D. faster reproduction

Answer: (A)

Greater genetic variation is the main advantage of sexual reproduction. By combining genetic material from two parents and through meiosis—where crossing over and independent assortment shuffle genes—the offspring inherit new gene combinations. This creates diversity within a population, so some individuals are more likely to possess traits that help them survive and reproduce as environments change or new pathogens appear. In contrast, sexual reproduction isn’t typically the fastest or least energy-consuming mode, and offspring are not identical to their parents due to the mixing of genes.

Greater genetic variation is the main advantage of sexual reproduction. By combining genetic material from two parents and through meiosis—where crossing over and independent assortment shuffle genes—the offspring inherit new gene combinations. This creates diversity within a population, so some individuals are more likely to possess traits that help them survive and reproduce as environments change or new pathogens appear. In contrast, sexual reproduction isn’t typically the fastest or least energy-consuming mode, and offspring are not identical to their parents due to the mixing of genes.