Final answer:
Sexual reproduction offers the advantage of genetic diversity, which aids in the survival and adaptability of a population in a changing environment, as opposed to asexual reproduction which produces genetically identical offspring.
Step-by-step explanation:
The likely evolutionary advantage of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction is genetic diversity. Sexual reproduction results in the random assortment of chromosomes during the process of meiosis, leading to offspring with varied genetic combinations. This diversity is critical in a changing environment because it provides a greater range of traits for natural selection to act upon. Biodiversity can enhance the survival and adaptability of a population by allowing for a more robust response to disease, changes in climate, and other environmental challenges. In contrast, a population of asexually reproducing organisms, which produces genetically identical offspring, might not cope as well with sudden changes in the environment. The variation that sexual reproduction introduces acts as a buffer against extinction under adverse conditions.