Question

Select the correct answer from each drop-down menu. Starfish are able to reproduce both sexually and asexually. In an area of the ocean that is gradually changing due to increasing temperatures, it is more advantageous for starfish to reproduce ________ because they will be able to ________.

1) sexually, adapt to the changing environment
2) asexually, adapt to the changing environment
3) sexually, survive in the changing environment
4) asexually, survive in the changing environment

Answer 1

In changing ocean conditions, it is more advantageous for starfish to reproduce sexually to adapt to the environment. Sexual reproduction allows for genetic diversity, which is essential for adaptability in contrast to asexual reproduction that produces genetically identical offspring.

Step-by-step explanation:

In an area of the ocean that is gradually changing due to increasing temperatures, it is more advantageous for starfish to reproduce sexually, because they will be able to adapt to the changing environment. Sexual reproduction results in greater genetic variation, which provides a population with a better chance to survive in changing conditions. This is because sexual reproduction combines genetic material from two parents, creating offspring with potentially beneficial genetic combinations that might be better suited to the new conditions.

Asexual reproduction, such as fragmentation or budding, produces genetically identical offspring, which may not be adaptive in rapidly changing environments. For instance, sea stars can reproduce asexually through fragmentation; however, this mode of reproduction would not create diversity within the population that may be crucial for survival during environmental changes.