Question

Which of the following is not considered a potential benefit of sexual reproduction?

1) separate beneficial mutations can be brought together in a single individual more rapidly
2) recombination allows populations to purge deleterious mutations
3) sex creates variation in offspring, which speeds the evolutionary response to selection
4) sexuals produce twice as many offspring as asexuals

Answer 1

Sexual reproduction allows for greater genetic diversity and rapid combination of beneficial mutations but is not characterized by the ability to produce offspring more rapidly than asexual reproduction; instead, it may result in fewer offspring.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that sexuals produce twice as many offspring as asexuals is not a benefit of sexual reproduction and is, in fact, incorrect. Sexual reproduction is characterized by the creation of genetically diverse offspring through the processes of crossing-over, independent assortment, and the random union of gametes. This genetic variation is advantageous for populations because it can contribute to adaptation and evolutionary success in changing environments. However, asexual reproduction can theoretically allow a population to grow more rapidly since every individual can reproduce.

Sexual reproduction has several potential benefits including the ability to bring together beneficial mutations rapidly in one individual, purge deleterious mutations through recombination, and create variation which can speed the evolutionary response to selection pressures. However, contrary to option 4, sexual reproduction is often less efficient in the number of offspring produced when compared to asexual reproduction, where all individuals are capable of reproducing.