Question

Why does sexual reproduction result in more genetic variation in a species than asexual reproduction

Answer 1

Asexual reproduction results in offspring which are genetically the same as the parent organism (not counting a rare mutation). Sexual reproduction produces a random mixture of the genetics derived from both parents.

Answer 2

Asexual reproduction involves only a single parent. There is no genetic recombination or mixing of genes thus no genetic variation. Sexual reproduction evolved because it provides the advantage of mixing of genes i.e. genetic recombination. During sexual reproduction sperm and egg are produced by the male and female parent respectively. The mixing of sperm and egg results in zygote. This mixing of genes during gamete fusion results in genetic diversity.