Question

Define the advantages of sexual reproduction.

1) Combining Beneficial Mutations
2) Generation of Novel Genotypes
3) Faster Evolution
4) Clearance of Deleterious Mutations

Answer 1

Sexual reproduction in eukaryotic organisms offers significant evolutionary advantages including increased variation in offspring, clearance of harmful mutations, and acceleration of evolution, contributing to greater adaptability and survival in changing environments.

Step-by-step explanation

Advantages of sexual reproduction :

Sexual reproduction provides several evolutionary advantages compared to asexual reproduction. Some of the primary benefits include:

• Variation in offspring, : Sexual reproduction combines the genetic material from two parents, leading to greater genetic diversity in the offspring. This diversity is crucial for the survival of a population in a changing environment.
• Clearance of deleterious mutations : Sexual reproduction also enables populations to clear harmful mutations over time, as these mutations are less likely to be passed down if they reduce the individual's reproductive success.
• Faster evolution : Because of the greater genetic variability, sexual reproduction can accelerate evolution, allowing populations to adapt more quickly to environmental changes.

While sexual reproduction has costs, such as the need for finding a mate, these advantages are significant enough that most multicellular eukaryotic organisms reproduce sexually. It is an evolved trait that facilitates adaptation and species survival.