Final answer:
A zygospore is the fungal structure that results from sexual reproduction and is capable of surviving in unfavorable conditions due to its thick protective coat.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fungal structure that results from sexual reproduction and can survive unfavorable growing conditions is a zygospore. During the sexual phase of a fungal life cycle, two opposing mating strains of hyphae/ mycelium (type + and type -) must be in close proximity. When the environmental conditions become unfavorable, these hyphae produce gametangia, which fuse in a process called karyogamy.
This fusion leads to the development of zygospores, which are characterized by their thick coats that make them resistant to desiccation and other environmental hazards. Zygospores can stay dormant until conditions improve, at which point they germinate, undergo meiosis, and produce haploid spores that grow into new fungi.