Explanation:
Let’s go through each characteristic one by one and decide whether it applies to
Sexual,
Asexual, or
Both reproduction.
1.
Results in low genetic variation of the species
→ Asexual reproduction produces clones (offspring genetically identical to parent), so little variation. Sexual reproduction creates variation.
✔ Asexual
2.
Results from the Sperm and the Egg combining
→ That’s fertilization — only happens in sexual reproduction.
✔ Sexual
3.
Passes genetic information from one generation to the next
→ *All* reproduction does this — both sexual and asexual pass genes on.
✔ Both
4.
All the members of a population are genetically very similar and less able to survive environmental changes.
→ This describes a lack of diversity, typical of asexual populations (e.g., banana crops).
✔ Asexual
5.
Budding, Binary Fission, Parthenogenesis, Fragmentation
→ These are all methods of asexual reproduction.
✔ Asexual
6.
The offspring receive half their genetics from each Parent
→ Only true in sexual reproduction (meiosis + fertilization).
✔ Sexual
7.
Produces Diverse offspring
→ Sexual reproduction mixes genes → diversity. Asexual = clones.
✔ Sexual
8.
One organism can continue the population of their species without a mate
→ Asexual: one individual suffices (e.g., bacteria dividing).
✔ Asexual
9.
Creates more of the species
→ Both types increase population size. Reproduction = making more individuals.
✔ Both
10.
Can reproduce without a male
→ Asexual: no males needed. Some sexual species can do parthenogenesis (a form of asexual-like reproduction), but generally, “can reproduce without a male” points to asexual. Also, some females in sexual species can reproduce alone via parthenogenesis (e.g., some lizards), but that’s still considered asexual reproduction. So safest answer:
Asexual.
✔ Asexual
11.
Allows for more genetic variation in the offspring
→ Sexual reproduction shuffles genes (crossing over, independent assortment, random fertilization).
✔ Sexual
12.
Requires a male and female to fertilize the egg
→ Classic sexual reproduction (e.g., mammals, birds).
✔ Sexual
Now let’s list the answers in order:
1. Asexual
2. Sexual
3. Both
4. Asexual
5. Asexual
6. Sexual
7. Sexual
8. Asexual
9. Both
10. Asexual
11. Sexual
12. Sexual
Final Answer:
Asexual, Sexual, Both, Asexual, Asexual, Sexual, Sexual, Asexual, Both, Asexual, Sexual, Sexual
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of sexual reproduction worksheet.
