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Chapter 34: Problem 44

Why is sexual reproduction useful when only half the individuals reproduce and two cells must combine to form a new cell? a. It completes in a very short period of time. b. It results in the rapid production of many offspring. c. It increases genetic diversity, allowing organisms to survive in an unpredictable environment. d. It requires less energy and leads to genetic variation in the offspring.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Option c: It increases genetic diversity, allowing organisms to survive in an unpredictable environment.

Step by step solution

01

Review the Question

The question asks why sexual reproduction is useful despite the fact that only half the individuals reproduce and two cells must combine to form a new cell.
02

Analyze the Options

Read and understand each option provided:- a. It completes in a very short period of time.- b. It results in the rapid production of many offspring.- c. It increases genetic diversity, allowing organisms to survive in an unpredictable environment.- d. It requires less energy and leads to genetic variation in the offspring.
03

Evaluate Incorrect Options

Evaluate which options are not supported by the characteristics of sexual reproduction:- Option a is incorrect because sexual reproduction is typically slower and more complex than asexual reproduction.- Option b is incorrect because sexual reproduction tends to result in fewer offspring compared to asexual reproduction.- Option d is incorrect because sexual reproduction generally requires more energy and effort than asexual reproduction.
04

Identify the Correct Answer

The remaining option is c. This option is correct because sexual reproduction increases genetic diversity, which helps organisms survive in changing environments.
05

Conclusion

The correct answer is option c: Sexual reproduction increases genetic diversity, allowing organisms to survive in an unpredictable environment.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

genetic diversity
Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a species. This variation is crucial for the survival of populations. Sexual reproduction combines genetic material from two parents, leading to offspring with unique genetic profiles.

This uniqueness helps in several ways:
  • Resilience to Diseases: High genetic diversity means that not all individuals will be susceptible to the same diseases.
  • Variety of Traits: It increases the chance of beneficial traits, such as resistance to harsh environmental conditions or ability to utilize different food sources.
  • Population Adaptation: Diverse genes allow a species to adapt more easily to environmental changes.
Without genetic diversity, populations could be wiped out by a single disease or environmental change.
environmental adaptability
Environmental adaptability refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in varying environmental conditions. Sexual reproduction plays a key role in this adaptability.

Organisms with greater genetic diversity from sexual reproduction have a wider range of traits to survive different environments. This adaptability is important because:
  • Changing Climate: As climates shift, organisms with varied traits are more likely to find favorable conditions for survival.
  • Resource Availability: Diverse genetic traits allow organisms to utilize different resources, whether it's food or habitat.
  • Ecosystem Interactions: Variants in a species can interact differently with their ecosystem, enhancing overall survival chances.
In unpredictable environments, genetic diversity from sexual reproduction provides a survival advantage.
reproductive strategies
Reproductive strategies are the various methods organisms use to reproduce and ensure the survival of their species. Sexual reproduction is one such strategy, characterized by combining genes from two parents.

While it has certain drawbacks, such as requiring more energy and producing fewer offspring than asexual reproduction, its advantages often outweigh the downsides:
  • Long-term Survival: The genetic diversity it introduces can lead to traits that enhance long-term survival.
  • Evolutionary Success: Species that reproduce sexually are often more adaptable and successful over time.
  • Healthier Offspring: By combining genes, sexual reproduction can reduce the incidence of deleterious mutations.
Understanding reproductive strategies helps us see why nature favors the maintenance of genetic variety and adaptability.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

After the blastula is formed, where do the embryonic stem cells and germ layers originate? a. The inner cell mass contains embryonic stem cells, which arrange themselves into the three germ layers. b. The trophoblast in the blastula contains embryonic stem cells, which arrange themselves into three germ layers. c. The inner cell mass contains embryonic stem cells, whereas the germ cells originate from the trophoblast. d. The embryonic stem cells and germ layers originate from the blastocoel present inside the blastula.

Compare the specialization of reproductive structures found in different types of land animals. a. In birds, an opening called the cloaca is used to transfer sperm, whereas in mammals, the presence of the penis and vagina allows direct delivery. Complete reproductive systems are formed in insects, with eggs maturing in the testes and sperm maturing in the ovaries. b. In birds, an opening called the cloaca is used to transfer sperm, whereas in mammals, the presence of the penis and vagina allows direct delivery. Complete reproductive systems are formed in insects, with eggs maturing in the ovaries and sperm maturing in the testes. c. In birds, sperm are transferred via the spermatheca, whereas in mammals, the presence of the penis and vagina allows direct delivery. Complete reproductive systems are formed in insects, with eggs maturing in the ovaries and sperm maturing in the testes. d. In birds, an opening called the cloaca is used to transfer sperm, whereas in mammals, the presence of the penis and vagina allows direct delivery. Insects always use parthenogenesis.

What are some advantages of internal compared with external fertilization? a. Internal fertilization leads to more genetic variations and increases the survival rates of offsprings. b. Internal fertilization increases the survival rates of offspring, and large numbers of offspring are produced. c. Internal fertilization increases the survival rates of offspring, and the chance of fertilization with a specific partner also increases. d. Internal fertilization increases the survival rates of offspring and decreases the chance of fertilization with a specific partner.

What is the nature of the oogonium and the secondary oocyte? Which process results in the formation of the secondary oocyte? a. A diploid oogonium forms a haploid oocyte by the process of mitosis. b. A haploid oogonium forms a diploid oocyte by the process of meiosis. c. A diploid oogonium forms a haploid oocyte by the process of meiosis. d. A haploid oogonium forms a haploid haploid oocyte by the process of meiosis.

What stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone? a. FSH b. LH c. inhibin d. estrogen
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