Final answer:
Sexual reproduction has advantages including genetic variation and adaptability, but it is time-consuming and carries reproductive risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Advantages of sexual reproduction:
- Genetic variation: Sexual reproduction produces offspring with new combinations of genes, leading to greater genetic diversity within a population.
- Adaptability: The genetic variation resulting from sexual reproduction allows species to adapt to changing environments more effectively.
- Evolutionary advantage: Sexual reproduction promotes natural selection by allowing beneficial traits to be passed onto future generations.
Disadvantages of sexual reproduction:
- Costly and time-consuming: Finding a suitable mate and producing offspring requires time, energy, and resources.
- Reproductive risks: Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes, which increases the risk of transmitting harmful mutations or diseases.
- Reduced population growth rate: Sexual reproduction typically results in fewer offspring compared to asexual reproduction, which can limit population growth.
Learn more about advantages and disadvantages of sexual reproduction