Video Transcript
For the following examples, select
the correct type of reproduction, asexual or sexual, that is being described.
For this question, we’re being
asked to read a statement about a type of reproduction and to determine if the type
of reproduction being described in the example is sexual or asexual
reproduction. First, let’s review some key facts
about asexual and sexual reproduction.
Asexual reproduction only involves
one parent, while sexual reproduction requires two. Asexual reproduction is a generally
faster process than sexual reproduction. In asexual reproduction, since
there’s only one parent and no genetic recombination, all the offspring are
genetically identical to each other and to their parent. This decreases the genetic
variation in a population. In contrast, during sexual
reproduction, genetic recombination occurs when genetically unique gametes produced
by each of the parents merge in a process called fertilization to produce
genetically unique offspring. This process increases genetic
variation within a population.
Now, let’s return to our example
statement. An area of forest has been
devastated by forest fires. The remaining trees rapidly produce
small saplings from their roots. Is this an example of asexual
reproduction or sexual reproduction?
The key clues in this example are
the term “rapidly“ and the fact that the trees are producing saplings or offspring
from their own roots. We know that asexual reproduction
is a much faster process than sexual reproduction. And since the trees are producing
saplings from their roots, only one parent is necessary. Based on this information, we can
conclude that this is an example of asexual reproduction.
A bee carries pollen grains from
one plant to the ovules of another. Is this an example of asexual
reproduction or sexual reproduction?
Since this example involves two
plants, it involves two parents. Also, pollen and ovules are
examples of gametes. Gametes are special reproductive
cells used in sexual reproduction. Based on this information, we can
conclude that this is an example of sexual reproduction.
A female shark that has been
isolated from male sharks produces eggs containing small embryos. Is this an example of asexual
reproduction or sexual reproduction?
In this example, we’re told that
the female shark has been isolated from male sharks. So, she’s produced eggs with
embryos without fertilization. This means that only one parent was
required for the production of these offspring. When reproduction occurs with only
one parent, we know that we’re dealing with asexual reproduction.
