Video Transcript
Organisms can be produced by
asexual or sexual reproduction. Which of the following is true
about the genetic variation of these organisms? (A) There is more genetic variation
between organisms produced by sexual reproduction than between organisms produced by
asexual reproduction. Or (B) there is more genetic
variation between organisms produced by asexual reproduction than between organisms
produced by sexual reproduction.
We are being asked about the
genetic variation of organisms produced by asexual and sexual reproduction, so let’s
begin by looking at how offspring are produced in each of these methods.
In asexual reproduction, a single
parent produces offspring without the fusion of gametes. These offspring are genetically
identical to the parent and to each other and are referred to as clones. In sexual reproduction, offspring
are produced when a male and female gamete, typically from two different parents,
fuse together. Because portions of two different
genomes, one from each gamete, contribute to the genome of sexually produced
offspring, they are genetically different from their parents. And if the same two parents produce
additional offspring together, they will also be genetically unique, different from
each other and different from their biological parents.
Genetic variation refers to
differences between the genomes of individuals in the same population. It’s what gives individuals unique
combinations of characteristics. Higher genetic variation makes
populations more resilient to environmental changes, such as short- or long-term
climate changes or the introduction of new pathogens.
So which type of reproduction would
produce more genetic variation? Well, we know that sexual
reproduction combines parts of two different genomes to produce offspring, whereas
asexual reproduction clones a single genome. So there will be more differences
between the genomes of organisms produced through sexual reproduction than asexual
reproduction. Therefore, the correct answer
choice is (A). There is more genetic variation
between organisms produced by sexual reproduction than between organisms produced by
asexual reproduction.
