Final answer:
Sexual reproduction has a major advantage over asexual forms as it results in greater variation in offspring, enhancing adaptability and survival. It is also more cost-effective in the long run compared to asexual reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major advantage of sexual reproduction over asexual forms is that it results in greater variation in the offspring. In sexual reproduction, genetic material from two parents is combined, leading to the creation of genetically unique individuals. This genetic variation allows for increased adaptability and survival of the population in changing environments. Asexual reproduction, on the other hand, produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent, limiting their ability to adapt to new conditions.
Another advantage of sexual reproduction is that it is more cost-effective in the long run. While asexual reproduction may allow for rapid population growth in the short term, sexual reproduction facilitates the accumulation of genetic diversity, which enhances the population's overall fitness and long-term survival.