Many plants can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Which statement below best describes why one method might be more beneficial than the other?
Sexual reproduction guarantees that two plants will provide nourishment for new plantlets.
Sexual reproduction guarantees that two plants will provide nourishment for new plantlets.
Asexual reproduction allows plants to skip the process of finding a mate.
Asexual reproduction allows plants to skip the process of finding a mate.
Sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment.
Sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment.
Asexual reproduction allows plants to avoid having to care for their offspring.
Sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment.
The statement that best describes why one method might be more beneficial than the other is:
Sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment.
The statement that best describes why one method might be more beneficial than the other is: "Sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment."
Explanation:
Both sexual and asexual reproduction have their advantages and disadvantages. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female reproductive cells (gametes), leading to genetic variation in the offspring. This genetic variation is crucial for plants to adapt and survive in changing environments. It allows for the mixing and shuffling of genetic traits, increasing the chances of producing offspring that are better suited to various environmental conditions.
On the other hand, asexual reproduction does not involve the fusion of gametes and, therefore, does not result in genetic variation. Asexual reproduction can be advantageous in certain situations because it allows plants to skip the process of finding a mate and rapidly produce offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. This can be advantageous in stable environments where the parent's traits are well adapted. However, in a changing environment or when facing new challenges, genetic variation from sexual reproduction provides a greater potential for survival and adaptation.