This document compares asexual and sexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction involves one parent producing offspring that are identical to itself. It occurs in plants, bacteria, protists and some invertebrates. The offspring have no variation and less chance of survival. Sexual reproduction involves two parents producing offspring that are a combination of both parents, making them unique. This provides variation and ability to adapt to environmental changes, but requires finding a mate and takes longer.

1. AsexualAsexual
&&
SexualSexual
ReproductionReproduction

2. Asexual ReproductionAsexual Reproduction
 Type of reproduction in which aType of reproduction in which a
new organism is produced fromnew organism is produced from
ONEONE parent and the offspring isparent and the offspring is
identicalidentical to the parent.to the parent.
 Occurs in most plants, bacteria,Occurs in most plants, bacteria,
protists, and low invertebrates.protists, and low invertebrates.

3. Asexual ReproductionAsexual Reproduction
 One parentOne parent
 OffspringOffspring
are identicalare identical
to the parents.to the parents.
One Parent
Identical
Offspring

4. Advantages –Advantages –
Identical to parent,Identical to parent,
Many offsprings in short timeMany offsprings in short time
Only one parent requiredOnly one parent required
Disadvantages –Disadvantages –
Lack of variation so less chance ofLack of variation so less chance of
survivalsurvival
Offspring not suited to living in differentOffspring not suited to living in different
environmentsenvironments

5. Sexual ReproductionSexual Reproduction
 TwoTwo parentsparents
 Offspring areOffspring are
aa combinationcombination
ofof bothboth parentsparents
and areand are
thereforetherefore differentdifferent
from each parent.from each parent.
unique / diverse offspring
Two
Parents

6. AdvantagesAdvantages
 variety and/orvariety and/or diversitydiversity of offspringof offspring
(color, shape, size, intelligence, ability,(color, shape, size, intelligence, ability,
etc.)etc.)
 More able toMore able to adaptadapt to environmentalto environmental
changes.changes.
Disadvantages –Disadvantages –
Requires two parentsRequires two parents
Finding a mate uses energyFinding a mate uses energy
Takes longer to produce offspringsTakes longer to produce offsprings

7. AdvantagesAdvantages
 variety and/orvariety and/or diversitydiversity of offspringof offspring
(color, shape, size, intelligence, ability,(color, shape, size, intelligence, ability,
etc.)etc.)
 More able toMore able to adaptadapt to environmentalto environmental
changes.changes.
Disadvantages –Disadvantages –
Requires two parentsRequires two parents
Finding a mate uses energyFinding a mate uses energy
Takes longer to produce offspringsTakes longer to produce offsprings