Reproduction

Reproduction Reproduction is the biological process by which new organisms are produced. The table below shows the types of reproduction.

Sexual Reproduction Sexual reproduction occurs in eukaryotic organisms. The offspring receives half the DNA from its mother and half from its father, resulting in unique combinations of traits for each offspring.

Sexual Reproduction Sexual Reproduction= Diverse Offspring This creates genetic diversity within a species, which enables the survival of the species should the environment change. Sexual Reproduction= Diverse Offspring

Sexual Reproduction: Pros and Cons Diverse genetic offspring means they are more likely to survive if environment changes It’s a very slow way of reproduction; can be good and bad (takes lots of energy, but less overpopulation) Must find a mate, which takes extra energy

Asexual Reproduction= Asexual reproduction occurs when offspring arise from a single organism and inherit the genes of that parent only. Asexual Reproduction= Uniform Offspring

Asexual Reproduction: Prokaryotes All prokaryotes reproduce asexually via binary fission. After replicating its genetic material, the cell divides into two nearly equal sized daughter cells, which are genetically identical to the parent cell.

Asexual Reproduction: Eukaryotes Some eukaryotes reproduce by forming spores, by budding, fragmentation, or by vegetative propagation.

Asexual Reproduction in Animals There are two main types of asexual reproduction in animals: budding and fragmentation.

Asexual Reproduction: Pros and Cons All offspring are clones, so if one gets sick, they all get sick and could die The offspring is already adapted for their environment It’s a very fast way of reproduction; can be good and bad (overpopulation) There is no need to find a mate, which takes extra energy No genetic variation; all offspring are uniform