Final answer:
Sexually reproducing species have the advantage of producing genetically diverse offspring, which increases their ability to adapt and survive in changing or unpredictable environments, despite producing fewer offspring than asexually reproducing species.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sexually reproducing species can have a selective advantage over asexually reproducing species because sexual reproduction results in greater variation in the offspring. One of the evolutionary advantages of sexual reproduction is that during the process, the genetic material of two different individuals is combined.
This leads to offspring that are genetically diverse, which is thought to confer greater fitness in changing or unpredictable environments.
Despite some apparent disadvantages compared to asexual reproduction, such as the requirement for two different sexes and the consequent reduction in the overall number of offspring produced, the introduction of new genetic combinations often provides a critical advantage.
In contrast to asexual reproduction where offspring are genetically identical to the parent, the variation produced through sexual reproduction can facilitate adaptation and survival. This genetic diversity is a key factor in the ability of a population to cope with environmental challenges and pressures, such as diseases or changes in climate.
While asexually reproducing organisms can reproduce more quickly and efficiently in a stable environment, sexually reproducing organisms may be better equipped to thrive in the long term due to their genetic variability.