Final answer:
Sexual reproduction in biology involves combining genetic material from two individuals to produce genetically diverse offspring. However, it has certain costs such as the need to maintain different sexes, the production of fewer offspring compared to asexual reproduction, the need to find and attract mates, and the potential for reduced survival due to sexually selected traits.
Step-by-step explanation:
During sexual reproduction, the genetic material of two individuals is combined to produce genetically diverse offspring that differ from their parents.
The genetic diversity of sexually produced offspring is thought to give sexually reproducing individuals greater fitness because more of their offspring may survive and reproduce in an unpredictable or changing environment.
Species that reproduce sexually must maintain two different types of individuals, males and females.
Only half the population (females) can produce the offspring, so fewer offspring will be produced when compared to asexual reproduction.
This is a disadvantage of sexual reproduction compared to asexual reproduction.
In addition, sexually reproducing species must find and attract mates, which can be energy-intensive and time-consuming. Furthermore, sexually selected traits can reduce an individual's survival because they may attract predators or make it more difficult to survive in their environment.
These are some of the costs associated with sexual reproduction.