what is the biological advantage of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction?

Answer 1

Two is better and more fun than one.

Answer 2

Well I'm no professional on the subject but I'll tell you what I can.

From an evolutionary point of view, sexual reproduction is superior to asexual for one simple reason: In asexual reproduction, the dna of the offspring is identical to that of a parent. Thus, no matter how many times it happens, hundreds of generations down the line (theoretically, at least) the offspring will still have exactly the same dna as the parent.

Sexual reproduction produces offspring with genes from both parents, creating a new individual with characteristics from both. In this way, in a perfectly natural environment, inferior traits are eventually eliminated, and a perfectly adapted creature will eventually emerge.

Obviously, this takes a very long time to happen and depends largely on chance, (plus humans have pretty much eliminated the need for any further evolution) so no "perfect creatures" are really in existence. But the principle is there.

Say ther are two species: one (green sponges) produces asexually, and the other (red sponges) produces sexually. The two origionals of each both have a cerrtain trait (large pores) but the red sponge who must mate with another, mates with a red sponge with small pores. Both species have 2 offspring each. The green sponge offspring both have large pores. The red sponges, however produce 1 offspring with small pores, and 1 offspring with large pores.

Green:
1 large pores -->2 large pores

Red:
1large pores + 1 small pores --> 1 small pores, 1 large pores

Then along comes a parasite that attacks sponges. It is too big to fit into the small pores, but it gets into and destroys sponges with large pores. Thus the green, asexual sponges become extinct, while only 1 offspring of the red sponges dies, and the other goes on to reproduce again.

Green:
1 large pores -->2 large pores**

Red:
1large pores + 1 small pores --> 1 small pores^, 1 large pores**

^ lived
** was destroyed by parasites

And that is why sexual reproduction is superior

Answer 3

When you reproduce sexually, you shuffle your genes around and mix them with someone else's genes. With sexual reproduction, there is an infinite number of genetic combinations that can be tried out. This allows a species to be more adaptable and to survive changes to their environment by introducing variability. In asexual reproduction, the genes and characteristics are the same from parent to offspring, so if the environment changes negatively, that species will not be able to adapt and may go extinct.

Answer 4

"Organisms that reproduce through asexual reproduction tend to grow in number exponentially. However, because they rely on mutation for variations in their DNA, all members of the species have similar vulnerabilities. Organisms that reproduce sexually yield a smaller amount of offspring, but the large amount of variation in their genes makes them less susceptible to disease."

Remember, most plants are asexual, so they must be doing something right.

Answer 5

the most obvious is that sexual reproduction produces variation. Remeber that meiosis must first occur to prouce the sperm and egg used in sexual reproduction. During meiosis the chromosomes 'cross over' thus assorting the genetic material.
The randomness of fertilisation also aids variation.

Answer 6

There are no advantages of sexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction has all the advantages including freedom, independence, purity and beauty.

Answer 7

if both parents are of low 'qualty' the offspring still has a chance to be of high quality
more diversity in offspring; has a better chance of surviving in changing environments
the species may be able to colonise new areas successfully

Answer 8

in sexual reproduction, there is genetic diversity

Answer 9

Variation in the gene pool

Answer 10

ONE WORD: DIVERSITY!!!

you get genetic recombination, so if you have lots of different progeny, they're more likely to fit the harsh reality of NATURAL SELECTION!... defined as, survival of the fittest!