Some flatworms reproduce through fragmentation. What is a disadvantage of this method? (1 point)
Responses
It is a much more complex process than sexual reproduction.
It is a much more complex process than sexual reproduction.
It is a process that leads to lower genetic diversity than sexual reproduction.
It is a process that leads to lower genetic diversity than sexual reproduction.
It is a process that does not result in many offspring relative to sexual reproduction.
It is a process that does not result in many offspring relative to sexual reproduction.
It is a very slow process relative to sexual reproduction.
It is a very slow process relative to sexual reproduction.
It is a process that leads to lower genetic diversity than sexual reproduction
The correct answer is: It is a process that leads to lower genetic diversity than sexual reproduction.
To understand why this is a disadvantage, let's first explain what fragmentation is. Fragmentation is a form of asexual reproduction in which an organism breaks into multiple parts, and each part can grow into a new individual. This is common among some species of flatworms.
Now, let's consider why this method can lead to lower genetic diversity. In sexual reproduction, two individuals contribute genetic material (DNA) to create offspring. This mixing of genetic material leads to genetic diversity in the offspring, as they inherit a unique combination of genes from both parents. On the other hand, fragmentation involves a single individual dividing into multiple parts, each of which can grow into a new individual. Since there is no mixing of genetic material from different individuals, the offspring produced through fragmentation will have the exact same genetic information as the parent. This lack of genetic diversity can be a disadvantage for a population because it reduces their ability to adapt to changing environments or resist diseases.
Therefore, the disadvantage of the fragmentation method of reproduction is that it leads to lower genetic diversity compared to sexual reproduction.