Question

4. Students are tasked with evaluating reproductive strategies of a worm species in a habitat they have occupied for thousands of years. Which argument best matches the advantages and disadvantages of the different strategies?

Answer 1

Sexually reproducing organisms have an advantage over asexually reproducing organisms due to the greater genetic variation in offspring.

Step-by-step explanation:

The advantage that populations of sexually reproducing organisms have over asexually reproducing organisms is the greater genetic variation in offspring. Sexual reproduction allows for the exchange of genetic material between two parents, resulting in offspring that inherit a diverse combination of traits. This genetic variation increases the chances of survival and adaptability to changing environmental conditions. In contrast, asexual reproduction produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent, limiting their ability to adapt to new or different conditions.