Final answer:
Sexually reproducing populations benefit from genetic diversity which aids in adaptability and long-term survival, despite the short-term advantages asexually reproducing species may have in terms of rapid population growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the advantages that populations of sexually reproducing organisms have over asexually reproducing organisms is the genetic diversity that arises from sexual reproduction. This genetic variation is critical for the survival and reproduction of the population, especially in unpredictable or changing environments. Unlike asexual reproduction, where the only source of new genetic traits is mutation, sexual reproduction combines the unique genomes of two parents and shuffles genes through crossovers during prophase I and random assortment at metaphase I of meiosis. This process creates a wide range of genetic combinations among offspring, which enhances the ability of a population to adapt to new challenges, such as diseases, changes in climate, or shifts in the availability of resources.
While asexual reproduction does allow a population to grow rapidly and is advantageous in stable environments, it has the disadvantage of limited genetic variation. In contrast, sexually reproducing organisms may leave more descendants over time because of their greater genetic flexibility. Despite the cost of maintaining two sexes and the slower population growth rate compared to asexual reproduction, sexual reproduction's genetic benefits typically outweigh these disadvantages, contributing to its prevalence among eukaryotic organisms.