Sexual Reproduction
Sexual Reproduction involves the joining of male and female gametes, each containing genetic information from the mother or father. Gametes are formed by Meiosis. Gametes are formed by meiosis, as they are non identical. Each gamete has 23 chromosomes and they fuse in fertilisation. The genetic information from each parent is mixed, producing variation in the offspring.
Asexual Reproduction
Asexual Reproduction involves one parent with NO gametes joining. It happens using the process of Mitosis therefore there is no mixing of genetic information. It leads to clones, which are genetically identical to each other and the parent.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Sexual Reproduction
- Variation in offspring - allows higher probability of characteristic survival advantage, decreases chance of species-wide extinction
- Allows use of Selective Breeding.
Asexual Reproduction
- Only one parent needed.
- Less energy and is faster - do not need to find a mate.
- Lots of offspring can be produced.