Question

Which mode of reproduction gives rise to variation? Give the importance of variation in survival of species.

Answer 1

Sexual reproduction give rise to the more variation than asexual reproduction. It is because of errors in DNA copying and modes of sexual reproduction. In sexual reproduction, since two parents are involved, the offspring will have combination of characters which will lead to variation. While in asexual reproduction, gene cannot be separated from the parent organism. The resulting variation in traits get accumulated spanning across generations.
Genetic variation is the source of evolution, without it a species would die out. If the genetic variation is less, there will not be diversity in the traits and the species would find it hard to adapt to the changes and go extinct. So it is important for a species to be genetically diverse.