Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

In asexual reproduction, offspring are produced from a single parent, so they are nearly identical copies with only minor DNA-copying errors as a source of variation. In sexual reproduction, DNA from two different individuals combines, creating new combinations of variants in each offspring. Since each parent already carries different accumulated variations, their combination produces novel genetic patterns in every new individual.

This increased variation is advantageous because if environmental conditions change drastically (e.g., global warming, disease), at least some variants in the population are likely to survive, ensuring survival of the species over time.

Source: Chapter 7, Sections 7.1.1 and 7.3.1

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• Examiners want two clear parts: why sexual reproduction gives more variation (combining DNA from two individuals with different accumulated variants) and why this is advantageous (survival during environmental change).
• Use the textbook's own example (bacteria and heat resistance) if space allows — it shows understanding.
• Avoid vague phrases like "more diverse"; say "new combinations of variants" to match textbook language.
• For 3 marks: ~1 mark for limitation of asexual reproduction, ~1 mark for mechanism of sexual reproduction, ~1 mark for the survival advantage.