Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

Genetic Relationship Between Fragments:

Fragmentation is a form of asexual reproduction, meaning new individuals are produced from a single parent without the involvement of gametes. When a Spirogyra filament breaks into fragments, each fragment grows into a new individual through mitotic cell division. Since all fragments originate from the same parent and DNA is copied (not combined with another organism's DNA), all fragments are genetically identical to each other and to the parent filament — they are clones.

Consequence for Survival if Environment Changes Drastically:

Since all individuals in the population are genetically identical, they will respond to environmental stress in the same way. If conditions change drastically — such as a new disease, extreme temperature, or pollution — no individual will have a genetic advantage over others. The entire population could be wiped out, as there is no genetic variation to allow some individuals to survive and adapt.

Source: Chapter 7, Section 7.2.2 Fragmentation; Section 7.1

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• Examiners want two clear things: (1) the genetic conclusion (identical/clones) with reasoning (asexual → single parent → DNA copying only), and (2) one specific survival consequence logically following from lack of variation.
• The textbook explicitly states that variations from DNA copying are the basis for survival and evolution; asexual reproduction generates far less variation. Use that link.
• Don't just say "no variation is bad" — say why: uniform population = uniform vulnerability.
• Avoid adding extra points; this is a 5-mark answer, so two well-developed paragraphs are ideal.