Asexual vs Sexual Reproduction

Multiple Choice

Sea anemones are ocean animals that can reproduce both sexually and

asexually. A single sea anemone is located in a stable, isolated environment

that is capable of supporting a colony of sea anemones. Which type of

reproduction would be the MOST beneficial for this sea anemone?

• Sexual reproduction would be the most beneficial because reproduction occurs

  more quickly and provides a greater amount of genetic variation for the offspring.

• Sexual reproduction would be the most beneficial because the conditions of the

  environment are changing and offspring will benefit from increased genetic

  diversity.

• Asexual reproduction would be the most beneficial because conditions of the

  environment are not changing and the sea anemone has no nearby mates.

• Asexual reproduction would be the most beneficial because reproduction occurs

  more slowly and provides less genetic variation for the offspring.

Open Ended

Imagine you are a geneticist studying two species, one that reproduces asexually and another sexually. How would you design an experiment to determine the impact of reproduction mode on the genetic variation within populations over several generations?

Open Ended

Explain the evolutionary advantages and disadvantages of asexual reproduction compared to sexual reproduction, Provide specific examples to support your explanation