Q1. [3] medium thorough-understanding
Population X reproduces only asexually for many generations, while Population Y of the same species reproduces sexually. After several generations, which population would show greater variation among its individuals? Give two reasons to justify your answer.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 01:03 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Population Y (sexually reproducing) would show greater variation.
Reasons:
- In asexual reproduction, new individuals arise from a single parent through DNA copying. Only minor differences occur due to small inaccuracies in DNA copying, so Population X shows very little variation.
- In sexual reproduction, two individuals contribute DNA, leading to new combinations of genes in each offspring. This generates far greater diversity among individuals in Population Y with every generation.
As stated in the textbook, variations are maximised by the process of sexual reproduction.
Source: Chapter 8, Section 8.1 — Accumulation of Variation During Reproduction
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Explanation
- The question is worth 3 marks: 1 mark for identifying Population Y, 2 marks for two distinct reasons.
- Examiners expect you to contrast asexual (DNA copying errors only → minor variation) with sexual reproduction (gene combinations → greater variation). Use textbook language like "inaccuracies in DNA copying" and "new combinations of genes."
- Avoid vague statements like "sexual reproduction is better" — be specific about the mechanism causing variation.