How does sexual reproduction lead to genetic variation answers?
Sexually-reproducing organisms have a second form of cell division that produces reproductive cells with half the number of chromosomes. This process is called meiosis, and without it, humans, oak trees, beetles, and all other sexually-reproducing organisms would be vastly different than they are today.
What are the 2 sources of genetic variation in sexual reproduction?
There are two sources of genetic variation: DNA mutation, and sexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction generates unique combinations of genes at three points in the sexual life cycle: during independent assortment and crossing over in meiosis I, and through random fertilization.
Why does sexual reproduction produce more genetic variation than asexual reproduction and why is this important?
During sexual reproduction the genetic material of two individuals is combined to produce genetically diverse offspring that differ from their parents. The genetic diversity of sexually produced offspring is thought to give species a better chance of surviving in an unpredictable or changing environment.
What is the source of genetic variation?
Mutations are the original source of genetic variation. A mutation is a permanent alteration to a DNA sequence. De novo (new) mutations occur when there is an error during DNA replication that is not corrected by DNA repair enzymes.
Is asexual reproduction a source of genetic variation?
All forms of life reproduce through one of two means: asexually or sexually. Asexual reproduction involves only one parent with little or no genetic variation, while sexual reproduction involves two parents who contribute some of their own genetic makeup to the offspring, thus creating a unique genetic being.
Does asexual reproduction produce variation?
Organisms who reproduce through asexual means show little to no variation at all. This is because, asexual reproduction involves only a single parent. Hence, offsprings produced are almost clones. The slight variations are as a result of the small inaccuracies in DNA copying.