Major Difference Between Sexual And Asexual Reproduction: Characteristics & Comparison

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Aug 27, 2024 11:22 PM IST

Reproduction

Reproduction is a biological process by which new individual organisms are made from their parents. It is the essential function performed by all living species to survive and continue the chain of life by transferring genetic material from one generation to another. Reproduction is guaranteed in two major ways: sexual and asexual reproduction.

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Understanding the types of reproduction is an impetus in explaining life-form diversity, evolutionary adaptations, and the growth and development of populations. All these processes at each aspect are important for any student, more so for the students aiming to crack competitive exams like NEET, as this lays a foundation for higher classes of biology studies.

Sexual Reproduction

Sexual reproduction is a mode through which the genetic materials from two parents combine in a single individual that carries both of their genetic contributions.
It involves a combination of male and female gametes through fertilisation of sperm and egg cells, leading to the formation of a zygote that further develops into an individual.
Common in animal (mammals, birds, reptiles) and plant (flowering plants and ferns) kingdoms.

Asexual Reproduction

Asexual reproduction is when one organism produces offspring, also genetically identical (clones), without the involvement of another organism.
Methods under this category include binary fission, budding, fragmentation, vegetative propagation, and spore formation. Each uses a part of the parent organism to produce new individuals.
It is found in organisms like bacteria by binary fission, yeast by budding, starfish by regeneration, and plants like strawberries by vegetative propagation.

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Major Differences Between Sexual And Asexual Reproduction

Feature	Sexual Reproduction	Asexual Reproduction
Genetic Variation	High genetic diversity due to recombination of genes.	Genetic uniformity; offspring are clones of the parent.
Methods of Reproduction	Internal fertilisation (e.g., mammals), External fertilisation (e.g., fish)	Binary fission (e.g., bacteria), Budding (e.g., yeast), Fragmentation (e.g., starfish), Vegetative propagation (e.g., strawberries), Spore formation (e.g., fungi)
Complexity of Processes	Complex involving meiosis, fertilisation, and development stages.	Simple involving mitosis and direct development.
Speed and Efficiency	Time-consuming and energy-intensive process.	A quick and efficient process requires less energy.
Evolutionary Implications	Promotes evolution and adaptability through genetic variation.	Ensures stability and uniformity; less adaptability to changes.

Examples In Plants And Animals

The examples of sexual and asexual reproduction in plants and animals are given below:

Sexual Reproduction

Examples in Plants: The flowering plants, the process of pollination and fertilisation of angiosperms.
Examples in Animals: Mammals – humans; Birds – sparrows; Insects – butterflies.

Asexual Reproduction

Examples in Plants: Vegetative propagation – runners in strawberries. Spore formation – in ferns.
Examples in Animals: Binary fission – Amoeba. Budding – Hydra. Regeneration – Starfish.

Advantages And Disadvantages

The advantages and disadvantages are given below:

Sexual Reproduction

Advantages: Genetic diversity, hence more adaptability and evolution.
Disadvantages: It is energy-consuming and time-consuming and requires more time and energy.

Asexual Reproduction

Advantages: Rapid, hence in most populations, asexual reproduction can lead to a rapid multiplication of its population.
Disadvantages: There is no genetic diversity, hence making the population more prone to diseases and changes in the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the main differences between sexual and asexual reproduction?

Differences: Sexual reproduction involves two parents and genetic diversity. Asexual reproduction involves one parent and results in clones.

2. Why is there a need for genetic variation in sexual reproduction?

Genetic variation enhances adaptability and evolution, which helps the survival of species from changing environments.

3. How does asexual reproduction lead to rapid population increase?

Asexual reproduction is faster and produces many young ones in a short time without searching for a mate.

4. Can plants reproduce both sexually as well as asexually?

Yes, most plants can reproduce both of these two methods. They use seeds for sexual reproduction and runners or some other method for asexual reproduction.

5. What are some common examples of asexual reproduction in animals?

Common examples include binary fission in amoeba, budding in hydra and regeneration in starfish.