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Question
Why are variations speeded up in sexual mode of reproduction? What are the adantages of this mode of reproduction?
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Solution
Since sexual reproduction involves 2 parents,large number of variations are produced.These two parents will aleardy have variations accumulated from the previous generations and hence each generation formed would be novel since it has accumulated variations from two parents.Whereas in asexual reproduction,The organisms have very little variations due to errors in DNA copying while cell division process occurs. We know that the inbuilt tendency for variations in organisms is the basis for evolution.Since sexualky reproducing organisms have more variations,They speed up the process of evolution.While the less number of variations mean,asexually reproducing organisms will take long years for evolving into a new species.This is because the generation of variation plays a very important role in evolution process.
Advantages of sexual reproduction.
1. It creates genetic diversity within a species.
In asexual reproduction, a direct copy, a clone, is produced. This allows for reproduction to occur without a mate, but it also increases the chances of a mutation developing within the species. Should the wrong mutation occur, the entire species could eventually be wiped out.
Sexual reproduction prevents this issue from occurring because the genetic materials from two parents, not one, are used to produce an offspring. That prevents genetic bottlenecks from occurring.
2. There is a natural level of disease resistance throughout the species.
A greater level of genetic diversity allows for higher levels of natural disease resistance within a species. That is because the bacteria, parasites, and viruses which may affect the health of a species are unable to adapt to one specific genetic profile. There will always be disease, but genome diversity allows for the immune systems of people, plants, and animals to fight off the intrusions so a healthy life can be maintained.
3. Genetic variation can lead to evolutionary advancements.
Genetic variation incorporates a process that is similar to the “survival of the fittest” principles that Charles Darwin first introduced. Darwin suggested that the animals of a species that are best suited to their environment are the most likely to survive. Through sexual reproduction, those survivors pass on their traits to their offspring, which allows the species to begin to evolve on micro-levels, and potentially on macro-levels as well.
Even if evolution does not occur, sexual reproduction does offer the chance to screen out undesirable traits or genetics from a species. Many tests are available to determine the genetic status of people, plants, and animals. By identifying high-risk individuals and restricting their access to breeding, it is possible to eliminate certain poor genetic profiles.
These restrictions are not generally imposed on humans, but can be seen in other species, such as horses.
4. It is a rewarding experience.
Sexual reproduction makes those experiencing it feel good. It stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain so that more is wanted. This happens because sexual reproduction, especially in humans, releases dopamine. It can even be addictive, much like cocaine, because of how it affects the brain. It can act like a drug in more than one way.
Sexual reproduction can act as an antidepressant. The process of sexual reproduction can help to relieve pain. Vigorous sexual reproduction can even lead to temporary amnesia, but it can also improve personal memory.
In many ways, sexual reproduction is designed to be a rewarding experience. That encourages reproduction to occur so that the cycle of life can continue.
5. It can encourage the growth of brain cells.
In asexual reproduction, a parent essentially clones itself to create an offspring. Both are individuals, but copies of one another. In sexual reproduction, a 2010 finding by Princeton scientists discovered that sexually active creatures experience brain growth compared to creatures that are not sexually active.
Sexual activity increases the production of brain cells within the hippocampus. This is the area of the brain that manages memory. Larger cells and more connections form with a greater frequency of mating.
6. It improves health.
In humans, practicing sexual reproduction is directly linked to better health. Men who have sex 1-2 times per week, for example, have a lower risk of developing heart disease compared to men who have sex 1-2 times per month or less. At the same time, sexual activity can lower blood pressure and reduce the influence of cortisol, a stress hormone, on the body.
Sexual activity can also promote a stronger immune system, stronger muscles, and may even lower certain cancer risks.
One unique benefit of sexual reproduction is that it increases levels of oxytocin, which is often called the “love hormone.” Sexual activity increases the generosity people have when they are emotionally engaged with a mate.
Advantages of sexual reproduction.
1. It creates genetic diversity within a species.
In asexual reproduction, a direct copy, a clone, is produced. This allows for reproduction to occur without a mate, but it also increases the chances of a mutation developing within the species. Should the wrong mutation occur, the entire species could eventually be wiped out.
Sexual reproduction prevents this issue from occurring because the genetic materials from two parents, not one, are used to produce an offspring. That prevents genetic bottlenecks from occurring.
2. There is a natural level of disease resistance throughout the species.
A greater level of genetic diversity allows for higher levels of natural disease resistance within a species. That is because the bacteria, parasites, and viruses which may affect the health of a species are unable to adapt to one specific genetic profile. There will always be disease, but genome diversity allows for the immune systems of people, plants, and animals to fight off the intrusions so a healthy life can be maintained.
3. Genetic variation can lead to evolutionary advancements.
Genetic variation incorporates a process that is similar to the “survival of the fittest” principles that Charles Darwin first introduced. Darwin suggested that the animals of a species that are best suited to their environment are the most likely to survive. Through sexual reproduction, those survivors pass on their traits to their offspring, which allows the species to begin to evolve on micro-levels, and potentially on macro-levels as well.
Even if evolution does not occur, sexual reproduction does offer the chance to screen out undesirable traits or genetics from a species. Many tests are available to determine the genetic status of people, plants, and animals. By identifying high-risk individuals and restricting their access to breeding, it is possible to eliminate certain poor genetic profiles.
These restrictions are not generally imposed on humans, but can be seen in other species, such as horses.
4. It is a rewarding experience.
Sexual reproduction makes those experiencing it feel good. It stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain so that more is wanted. This happens because sexual reproduction, especially in humans, releases dopamine. It can even be addictive, much like cocaine, because of how it affects the brain. It can act like a drug in more than one way.
Sexual reproduction can act as an antidepressant. The process of sexual reproduction can help to relieve pain. Vigorous sexual reproduction can even lead to temporary amnesia, but it can also improve personal memory.
In many ways, sexual reproduction is designed to be a rewarding experience. That encourages reproduction to occur so that the cycle of life can continue.
5. It can encourage the growth of brain cells.
In asexual reproduction, a parent essentially clones itself to create an offspring. Both are individuals, but copies of one another. In sexual reproduction, a 2010 finding by Princeton scientists discovered that sexually active creatures experience brain growth compared to creatures that are not sexually active.
Sexual activity increases the production of brain cells within the hippocampus. This is the area of the brain that manages memory. Larger cells and more connections form with a greater frequency of mating.
6. It improves health.
In humans, practicing sexual reproduction is directly linked to better health. Men who have sex 1-2 times per week, for example, have a lower risk of developing heart disease compared to men who have sex 1-2 times per month or less. At the same time, sexual activity can lower blood pressure and reduce the influence of cortisol, a stress hormone, on the body.
Sexual activity can also promote a stronger immune system, stronger muscles, and may even lower certain cancer risks.
One unique benefit of sexual reproduction is that it increases levels of oxytocin, which is often called the “love hormone.” Sexual activity increases the generosity people have when they are emotionally engaged with a mate.
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