Final answer:
Cloning allows scientists to study growth and development due to the genetic replicates it produces. It is beneficial in agriculture for replicating specific traits but results in reduced genetic diversity, which can be a risk in changing environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
An advantage of cloning is that it allows scientists to study how organisms grow and develop. This is because cloning produces an organism with the same genetic material as the original, allowing for controlled studies on development, disease, and treatments without the genetic variability that comes from traditional breeding methods. This process can be particularly useful for agricultural purposes where specific traits such as disease resistance or increased production can be replicated quickly and reliably in crops. However, it's worth noting that while cloning does allow for these specific traits to be reproduced, it does not increase genetic diversity; rather, it results in a population of genetically identical individuals. This could pose risks in a changing climate, as a lack of genetic diversity can make a species less adaptable to new or shifting conditions.