Name an advantage and a disadvantage of sexual reproduction
Advantage
Disadvantage
Advantage: Sexual reproduction promotes genetic diversity, which increases the chances of survival of species in changing environments. It allows for genetic variations to accumulate and adapt to different ecological niches, enhancing the overall fitness of populations.
Disadvantage: Sexual reproduction requires the complex process of finding a mate and mating, which can be time-consuming, energetically costly, and can expose individuals to the risk of diseases or predation. Additionally, sexual reproduction involves a 50% reduction in genetic contribution from each parent, leading to a slower rate of population growth compared to asexual reproduction.