Some flatworms reproduce through fragmentation. What is a disadvantage of this method? (1 point) Responses It is a much more complex process than sexual reproduction. It is a much more complex process than sexual reproduction. It is a very slow process relative to sexual reproduction. It is a very slow process relative to sexual reproduction. It is a process that does not result in many offspring relative to sexual reproduction. It is a process that does not result in many offspring relative to sexual reproduction. It is a process that leads to lower genetic diversity than sexual reproduction.
It is a process that leads to lower genetic diversity than sexual reproduction.
The disadvantage of reproduction through fragmentation in flatworms is that it leads to lower genetic diversity than sexual reproduction.
The correct answer is: It is a process that leads to lower genetic diversity than sexual reproduction.
To understand why this is a disadvantage, let's break down the process of reproduction through fragmentation and compare it to sexual reproduction.
Fragmentation is a form of asexual reproduction where a parent organism breaks apart into multiple pieces, and each piece has the ability to grow into a new individual. Each resulting offspring, also known as a fragment, is genetically identical to the parent organism.
In contrast, sexual reproduction involves the fusion of genetic material from two parent organisms, resulting in offspring that inherit a combination of genetic traits from both parents.
The disadvantage of reproduction through fragmentation is that it does not involve genetic recombination and introduces limited genetic variation among the offspring. This means that the offspring produced through fragmentation will have similar genetic traits to the parent organism and to each other. As a result, the population lacks genetic diversity.
Genetic diversity is crucial for a species' survival because it allows for adaptation to changing environments and increases the chance of resistance against diseases or other threats. With lower genetic diversity, the population is more vulnerable to potential challenges, such as the spread of a new disease or changes in the environment.
Therefore, the disadvantage of reproduction through fragmentation is its limited contribution to genetic diversity compared to sexual reproduction.