Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

In asexual reproduction, a single individual produces offspring by copying its own DNA. Although DNA copying is not perfectly accurate and introduces small variations, this process is slow.

In sexual reproduction, DNA from two different individuals is combined. Each parent already carries different patterns of accumulated variations. Combining these creates new combinations of variants, producing greater diversity in each generation.

Since all variations come from living, surviving individuals, they are unlikely to be harmful. These new combinations help a species adapt better to changing environments, improving chances of survival.

Source: Chapter 7, Section 7.3.1 — Why the Sexual Mode of Reproduction?

---

• Examiners look for two key ideas: (1) DNA copying introduces slow variations; (2) sexual reproduction combines DNA from two individuals, generating far greater variation faster.
• Mention that accumulated variations from both parents are already "tested" (non-lethal) — this is a scoring point many students miss.
• Avoid writing long paragraphs about meiosis or gametes; focus on the variation argument as asked.
• The phrase "new combinations of variants" directly mirrors the textbook language — use it.