Asexual and Sexual Reproduction Quick Check
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Question
Many plants can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Which statement below best describes why one method might be more beneficial than the other?(1 point)
Responses
Asexual reproduction allows plants to avoid having to care for their offspring.
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.
Sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment.
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.
Sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment.
Which organism can reproduce both sexually and asexually?(1 point)
Responses
starfish
starfish
dog
dog
protist
protist
sandhill crane
protist
Asexual and Sexual Reproduction Quick Check
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Question
Complex organisms reproduce sexually, and simple organisms reproduce asexually. Is this statement always true?(1 point)
Responses
Yes, because larger organisms reproduce sexually, and smaller organisms reproduce asexually.
Yes, because larger organisms reproduce sexually, and smaller organisms reproduce asexually.
No, because some complex organisms like komodo dragons can reproduce both ways.
No, because some complex organisms like komodo dragons can reproduce both ways.
Yes, because multicellular organisms reproduce sexually and unicellular organisms reproduce asexually.
Yes, because multicellular organisms reproduce sexually and unicellular organisms reproduce asexually.
No, because complex organisms like starfish and plants use asexual reproduction more often.
No, because complex organisms like starfish and plants use asexual reproduction more often.
No, because some complex organisms like komodo dragons can reproduce both ways.
The correct answer is: Sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment.
The correct answer is:
Sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment.
To understand why this statement is the best explanation, we need to understand the differences between sexual and asexual reproduction.
Asexual reproduction is the process by which plants can produce offspring without the need for a mate. This can happen through different methods such as vegetative propagation, where new plants are produced from parts of the parent plant, like stems or roots. Asexual reproduction is advantageous because it allows plants to quickly and efficiently produce offspring without having to invest time and energy in finding a mate.
On the other hand, sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female gametes (reproductive cells) from two different plants. This process introduces genetic variation, as the offspring inherit a combination of genes from both parents. This genetic diversity is beneficial for plants because it increases their chances of survival in a changing environment.
In a changing environment, different conditions and stressors may affect plant populations differently. The genetic variation resulting from sexual reproduction allows plants to have a wider range of traits, some of which may be advantageous for survival in these changing conditions. This increased genetic diversity provides plants with the ability to adapt and evolve, giving them a greater chance of survival compared to a population that reproduces exclusively through asexual means.
Therefore, the statement that best describes why sexual reproduction might be more beneficial than asexual reproduction for many plants is that sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment.