6.1 Sexual and asexual reproduction
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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