1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

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