ParthenogenesisSome animals in captivity have reproduced without the need for a mate in a process called parthenogenesis. Examples include boas, pythons, bonnethead sharks, and komodo dragons. Initially, scientists thought this occurred because the animals were kept in optimal conditions for reproduction, but lacked access to a mate. However, scientists were surprised to discover that some species in the wild with access to mates also reproduce through parthenogenesis. An example is the pit-viper. Compare and contrast the processes of sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction through parthenogenesis for an animal such as the pit-viper.
Describe the processes of sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction through parthenogenesis. (2 marks) Describe two pros and two cons of each form of reproduction. Explain each one. (4 marks)
6 years ago
Answered By Olena V
Sexual reproduction requires both male and female equivalents of a species and includes two individuals. The offsprings genetic material contains a combination of both their parents. Parthenogenesis is a type of asexual reproduction that includes only one individual (female) and is a clone of its parent (same genetic information).
Sexual reproduction benefits: variety in genetic makeup can increase survival
can remove bad genes from population; individuals that are weak and sick will not find a mate and therefore not pass on their genetic information
cons: mate may be hard to find, take up time and resources
bad genetic information can be passed down decreasing chances of survival (if genetically favourable female mates with a male with weak genetics, the weak genes of the male will still be passed down)
mating can leave the individual vulnerable and can result in death
produces fewer offspring than sexual reproduction, less changes of survival for offspring
Asexual reproduction benefits:
requires only one individual, time and resources not spent on looking for mate, do not need to fight for mate
quicker than sexual; prevents intruders from occupying niche because it can reproduce quickly and occupy that niche
produces a lot of offspring, which increases chances that offspring will survive
cons: keeps genetic makeup the same, if the environment changes the individual may die because it may not be adapted to the new environment and has no way of acquiring new genes for offspring
unfavourable mutations can occur and wipe out population because it will spread quickly as the animal creates more and more clones of itself. For example if the pit-viper has a mutation that makes it blind and it reproduces asexually its offspring will also be blind. This will leave the offspring vulnerable and unable to feed themselves which will cause the population to die out.
lack of genetic diversity can lead to extinction if something changes in the environment