Advantages and Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction Are able

Advantages and Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction Are able to reproduce rapidly (ex) strep (ex) white blood cells Limited variation If conditions become unfavorable whole populations can be wiped out Puts all energy into reproduction of itself

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sexual Reproduction Reproduce a lot slower (ex) human’s Provides lots of variation Takes a lot of energy into making enough gametes so that fertilization can occur Have a limited amount of offspring (ex) sperm and pollen

Organisms that reproduce Asexually AND Sexually Some species can reproduce both sexually and asexually – (ex) aphids During the growing season, females reproduce asexually producing more females (asexual) Over the summer these female young mature in the fall asexually produce male and female offspring Males and females mate and lay eggs for a new colony that hatches in the spring Video of the only female lizard

Which is Better? It depends! Asexual Reproduction Sexual Reproduction advantages does not require special cells or a lot of energy can produce offspring quickly in a stable environment creates large, thriving population advantages lots of variation within a species able to live in a variety of environmental settings able to adapt to changes in the environment disadvantages limited ability to adapt face massive die-off if environment changes disadvantages needs time & energy produce small populations