Sexual reproduction evolved multiple times in various groups of organisms. Sexual reproduction differs across the various groups, but almost always involved melosis followed by gamete release and fertilization. What explains why the phenomenon of sexual reproduction was under selective pressure to evolve multiple times in groups of organisms? A Sexual reproduction produces more offspring in one event than asexual reproduction. Greater numbers of offspring is a survival advantage B Sexual reproduction requires less energy expenditure on the part of the organisms and thus provides a better allocation of resources for the sexually reproducing individual Sexual reproduction produces genetically diverse offspringGenetically diverse populations are more resilient to environmental disturbance and are less likely to go extinct D Sexual reproduction limits the genetic variation in a population, providing for a mechanism to create genetically stable offspring These offspring are more likely to survive
The correct explanation is C: Sexual reproduction produces genetically diverse offspring. Genetically diverse populations are more resilient to environmental disturbance and are less likely to go extinct. This increased genetic diversity allows for a greater adaptability to changing environmental conditions, increasing the likelihood of survival and reproductive success. This advantage would have been under strong selective pressure, leading to the evolution of sexual reproduction multiple times in different groups of organisms.
