Page 21 - CB1.3 Genetic Varation sciPAD

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CB 1.3 GENETIC VARATION
PRINCIPLES OF GENETIC VARIATION
Sexual Reproduction
Sexual reproduction requires two parents. The offspring
produced by sexual reproduction are similar, but not identical,
to the parents. The offspring are a combination of the
characteristics of the parents. The main advantage of sexual
reproduction is that it produces variation. This means a few of
the offspring may be better suited to survive in their habitat.
Consequently, the species can become more successful over
time. Many organisms reproduce sexually. The benefits of
producing offspring that show variation far outweigh the costs
of finding a mate, breeding and producing offspring.
1. Define the following terms:
(a) Variation. 



(b) Sexual reproduction. 


2. Complete the table to show the key differences between asexual and sexual reproduction.
Asexual reproduction Sexual reproduction
Number of parents
required
Relative time required to
produce offspring Fast / Slow Fast / Slow
Variation between parent
and offspring Yes / No Yes / No
Examples of organisms
that use this method
3. Use the data from the table and the page on ‘Asexual Reproduction’ to compare and
contrast the advantages and disadvantages of sexual and asexual reproduction.











Human babies are a combination of
the characteristics of their parents.
There is variation among all humans.
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