Question

A class is debating the advantages and disadvantages of different types of reproduction. One student argues that organisms that reproduce asexually, like bacteria, have no advantage over organisms that reproduce sexually.
Which of the following choices below represents an argument for the advantages of asexual reproduction?
A. Organisms that reproduce asexually are likely to find a mate at a faster rate than sexually reproducing organisms, which allows them to reproduce faster.
B. Organisms that reproduce asexually are more diverse and are more likely to pass on key genes for survival to future generations, which aids in maintaining beneficial genes for survival in the gene pool
C. Organisms that reproduce asexually gain variation through processes like crossing over, which allows survival in instances of ecological change
D. Organisms that reproduce asexually create a large amount of offspring in a short period of time in order to maintain their population

Answer 1

Answer: D. Organisms that reproduce asexually create a large amount of offspring in a short period of time in order to maintain their population.

Explanation:

When an organism is able to reproduce asexually as opposed to sexually, it means that they do not require a mate to make offspring. Offspring of such organisms will therefore receive all their genes from one source.

Such organisms are able to reproduce very fast when they are presented with adequate conditions especially because they do not need another organism to do so. They will neither have to waste much energy nor have to go through the whole sexual process so they will be able to produce lots of offspring.