Offspring formed by sexual reproduction exhibit more variation than those formed by asexual reproduction because

Options

A. sexual reproduction is a lengthy process
B. gametes of parents have qualitatively different genetic composition
C. genetic material comes from parents of two different species
D. greater amount of DNA is involved in sexual reproduction.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Sexual vs Asexual Reproduction:**
- Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes (sperm and egg) from two parents, leading to offspring with genetic contributions from both.
- Asexual reproduction involves a single organism producing offspring that are genetically identical to itself.

2. **Genetic Variation in Offspring:**
- Offspring from sexual reproduction exhibit more genetic variation because they inherit a mix of genes from both parents.
- In contrast, asexual reproduction results in clones, meaning the offspring have the same genetic makeup as the parent.

3. **Role of Gametes:**
- In sexual reproduction, gametes are formed through a process called meiosis, which includes genetic recombination and independent assortment. This process shuffles the genetic material, creating unique combinations of genes.
- Each parent contributes a different set of genes, leading to diverse genetic combinations in the offspring.

4. **Qualitative Differences:**
- The statement mentions that "gametes of parents have qualitatively different genetic composition." This means that the genetic material from the mother and father is different, contributing to the variation in the offspring.
- This qualitative difference is crucial for increasing genetic diversity.

5. **Incorrect Options:**
- The statement that sexual reproduction is a lengthy process is misleading; the length of the process does not directly affect genetic variation.
- The claim that genetic material comes from parents of two different species is incorrect, as sexual reproduction typically occurs within the same species.
- The idea that a greater amount of DNA leads to more variation is also incorrect, as variation is more about the combination of genes rather than the quantity.

6. **Conclusion:**
- The correct reason why offspring formed by sexual reproduction exhibit more variation than those formed by asexual reproduction is that the gametes of parents have qualitatively different genetic compositions.

**Final Answer:**
Offspring formed by sexual reproduction exhibit more variation than those formed by asexual reproduction because the gametes of parents have qualitatively different genetic compositions.

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