Comparison Asexual and Sexual Reproduction Number of Parents What do Offspring Look Like? DNA AsexualSexual

Usually 2 parents or combine 2 half cells One parent Offspring is identical to parent Offspring is different from parent Same DNA as parent DNA is combination of DNA of 2 parents AsexualSexual Comparison Asexual and Sexual Reproduction

Asexual Reproduction Binary fission - a ‘parent individual’ splits into two independent organisms Bacteria and some Protists

Budding - a new individual grows on a ‘parent’ Asexual Reproduction Some simple Animals Hydra – a small jellyfish

Regeneration – an individual can grow a new part Asexual Reproduction Some simple Animals Starfish

They produce a complete cell called spore. Whereas a sperm or egg have ½ the DNA of the parent, the spore has all the DNA of the one parent. Asexual Reproduction Fungi Most reproduce asexually.

Vegetative reproduction - A new plant can grow often from a part of a plant. Asexual Reproduction Plants reproduce sexually but Can sometimes reproduce asexually

Asexual Sexual + DNA SpermEgg Zygote

Asexual Sexual + DNADNADNADNADNADNA DNADNADNADNA or DNADNADNADNA DNADNA DNADNADNADNA All offspring identical – no variation All offspring different– considerable variation

Sexual Reproduction Is it such a good idea?? Advantages - produced unique genetic combinations in different individuals x Unique offspring can cope with different niches and a changing environment

Sexual Reproduction Is it such a good idea?? Disadvantages- cost of meiosis - lose 50% of your genes every generation eggssperm 2 of each gene in next generation Sexual Advantage: Offspring can look different

Compare sexual and asexual reproduction Sexual Asexual Good in variable environments Easier to Adapt Good in stable environments Only need 1 Parent