(a) List three distinguishing features between sexual and asexual types of reproduction.
(b) Explain why variations are observed in the off springs of sexually reproducing organisms?
(a) Difference Between Asexual and Sexual Reproduction:
| Asexual Reproduction | Sexual Reproduction |
|---|---|
| For it, only one organism is needed. | For it, two separate individuals (male and female) are needed. |
| New organism produced genetically similar to parent organism. | New organism produced genetically different to both. |
| All divisions involved are mitotic and this does not help in evolution. | During gamete formation meiosis takes place. After fertilization, all divisions are mitotic and this helps in evolution. |
(b) Reason: There is always a possibility of diversity of characters in offsprings as offspring is formed as a result of fusion of 2 gametes produced by 2 different individuals (male and female parents). So, there is an opportunity for new combinations of characters always.