Benefits to the species – comparison - Asexual and sexual reproduction - 4th level Science Revision

Benefits to the species – comparison

Type of Reproduction	Benefits to the species
Asexual Reproduction	Allows species to grow numbers rapidly Little or no parental care All successful genes will be passed on to all offspring As there is no mate required it allows individuals that live in isolation to reproduce successfully
Sexual Reproduction	Increase genetic variation (differences) in a population. The offspring will be different form all other members of the species Each offspring has a unique combination of genes, half passed on from its mother and half passed on from its father Increased variation ensures survival of the species as individuals may have genes that give them better characteristics e.g. disease resistance. This means they are more likely to survive and thrive in a changing environment

Type of Reproduction	Asexual Reproduction
Benefits to the species	Allows species to grow numbers rapidly Little or no parental care All successful genes will be passed on to all offspring As there is no mate required it allows individuals that live in isolation to reproduce successfully

Type of Reproduction	Sexual Reproduction
Benefits to the species	Increase genetic variation (differences) in a population. The offspring will be different form all other members of the species Each offspring has a unique combination of genes, half passed on from its mother and half passed on from its father Increased variation ensures survival of the species as individuals may have genes that give them better characteristics e.g. disease resistance. This means they are more likely to survive and thrive in a changing environment

Type of Reproduction

Sexual Reproduction

Benefits to the species

Increase genetic variation (differences) in a population. The offspring will be different form all other members of the species
Each offspring has a unique combination of genes, half passed on from its mother and half passed on from its father
Increased variation ensures survival of the species as individuals may have genes that give them better characteristics e.g. disease resistance. This means they are more likely to survive and thrive in a changing environment