Many plants can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Which statement below best describes why one method might be more beneficial than the other?(1 point)
Sexual reproduction guarantees that two plants will provide nourishment for new plantlets.
Sexual reproduction guarantees that two plants will provide nourishment for new plantlets.
Asexual reproduction allows plants to skip the process of finding a mate.
Asexual reproduction allows plants to skip the process of finding a mate.
Sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment.
Sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment.
Asexual reproduction allows plants to avoid having to care for their offspring.
Asexual reproduction allows plants to avoid having to care for their offspring.
Sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment.
The statement that best describes why one method might be more beneficial than the other is:
"Sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment."
The statement "Sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment" best describes why one method might be more beneficial than the other.
To determine the correct answer, we need to understand the advantages of both sexual and asexual reproduction in plants. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female gametes, resulting in offspring with a mix of genetic traits inherited from both parents. This genetic variation can be advantageous for plants in a changing environment because it allows for greater adaptability to different conditions. With diverse genetic traits, some offspring may possess traits that are better suited for the changing environment, increasing their chances of survival and ensuring the continuation of the plant population.
On the other hand, asexual reproduction involves the production of offspring without the involvement of gametes or the need to find a mate. This method allows plants to produce many identical offspring quickly, as they can directly clone themselves. While asexual reproduction can be advantageous in terms of efficiency and rapid multiplication, it does not provide the same genetic variation as sexual reproduction. This lack of genetic diversity can limit the adaptability of the offspring to changing environmental conditions.
Hence, the statement "Sexual reproduction provides genetic variation to plants to help them survive in a changing environment" is the most accurate description of why sexual reproduction may be more beneficial than asexual reproduction in certain scenarios.