Question

When offspring produced by sexual reproduction move into different environments, new species sometimes emerge over time. Which characteristic of sexual reproduction allows this result to occur?

A) speed with which offspring are produced
B) number of offspring produced
C) diversity of the offspring produced
D) size of the offspring produced​

Answer 1

c) diversity of the offspring produced.

Step-by-step explanation:

Because sexual reproduction involves gametes (sex cells with only half the number of chromosomes), each offspring produced is genetically unique (as they get a random selection of chromosomes from both parents). This allows mutations to occur, which may be beneficial (or not) in the environment. Over time, the offspring that have the favourable characteristics will survive more easily to reproduce, whereas those with less helpful characteristics will not. This means that the favourable characteristics will be passed on to the next generation, while the less favourable ones will not be time. If this occurs for many generations, a new species may emerge.