Major Difference Between Sexual And Asexual Reproduction: Characteristics & Comparison

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.

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.

Major Differences Between Sexual And Asexual Reproduction

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.