Variation within species increases the likelihood of survival under changing conditions. Which reproductive method produces the most variation within a species?
Biology · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021
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Sexual reproduction produces the most variation within a species. During sexual reproduction, genetic material from two parent organisms is combined to create offspring with a unique combination of traits. This genetic recombination through processes like crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis introduces genetic diversity within a population. This variation is advantageous for a species' survival under changing environmental conditions, as it provides a broader range of traits that may be beneficial in different circumstances. In contrast, asexual reproduction tends to produce offspring that are genetically identical to the parent, resulting in less diversity within the population.