Question

Sea stars (starfish) can reproduce asexually by fragmentation if their arms are cut off, or sexually by releasing sperm and eggs into the water. Which of these is the major difference between asexual and sexual reproduction in sea stars?

A) The chromosome number is reduced in sea stars during asexual reproduction.
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B) The number of chromosomes is increased in sea stars during sexual reproduction.
C) The appearance of the sea stars is changed as a result of asexual reproduction.
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D) There is genetic variation in the sea stars as a result of sexual reproduction.

Answer 1

The correct answer would be option D.

Sexual reproduction involves the involvement of two parents.

It involves the formation and fusion of gametes which are contributed by both the parents.

Therefore, the genome of the offspring is contributed by both the parents due to which the genetic diversity in the offspring produced by sexual reproduction is more as compared to the offspring produced by a single parent or asexual reproduction.