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6.1 Sexual and asexual reproduction

6 exam questions worth 11 marks. Write your answer, open the mark scheme, then give yourself the marks you earned. Your answers are saved on this device.

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1
Short answer [2 marks]

Give two differences between sexual and asexual reproduction.

Mark scheme

Any two from:

  • sexual has two parents, asexual one (1)
  • sexual involves fusion of gametes, asexual does not (1)
  • sexual gives variation, asexual gives identical offspring / clones (1)
  • sexual uses meiosis (to make gametes), asexual mitosis (1)

Model answer

Sexual reproduction involves two parents and the fusion of gametes, while asexual reproduction involves one parent. Sexual reproduction produces varied offspring, but asexual reproduction produces clones.

Your mark
2
Multiple choice [1 mark]

Which type of cell division produces offspring by asexual reproduction?

Choose one answer.

Correct Not quite: the answer is Mitosis

Mark scheme

A: mitosis

Model answer

A: mitosis, which produces genetically identical cells.

3
Short answer [2 marks]

Explain one advantage of sexual reproduction.

Mark scheme

  • produces variation (1)
  • so some may survive a change in the environment / disease (1)

Model answer

It produces variation in the offspring, so if the environment changes, some individuals are likely to survive.

Your mark
4
Short answer [2 marks]

Give two advantages of asexual reproduction.

Mark scheme

Any two from:

  • only one parent needed (1)
  • faster / more time and energy efficient (1)
  • many identical offspring when conditions are favourable (1)

Model answer

Only one parent is needed, and it is quick, so many offspring can be made when conditions are good.

Your mark
5
Short answer [2 marks]

A farmer grows a field of genetically identical banana plants. Suggest why a new disease could destroy the whole crop.

Mark scheme

  • no variation / all clones (1)
  • so if one is not resistant, none are (1)

Model answer

The plants are clones with no variation, so if one plant cannot resist the disease, none of them can.

Your mark
6
Short answer [2 marks]

The malaria parasite reproduces both sexually and asexually. Where does each type happen?

Mark scheme

  • asexually in the human (host) (1)
  • sexually in the mosquito (1)

Model answer

It reproduces asexually in the human host and sexually in the mosquito.

Your mark
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