Example 1
A strawberry produces a new plant on a runner. Classify the process and predict similarity.
It is asexual vegetative reproduction. The new plant is normally genetically very similar to the parent because no gametes fused.
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Year 9
Sexual and asexual reproduction
Classify reproductive modes and compare their consequences for variation and survival.
Method and worked examples
Asexual reproduction produces offspring without fusion of gametes. Binary fission in many bacteria, budding in yeast and runners in strawberries are examples. Offspring are usually genetically very similar to the parent, apart from mutations. Asexual reproduction can produce many offspring quickly without finding a mate. Vegetative propagation uses plant structures such as stems or roots rather than fertilised seeds.
Sexual reproduction involves fusion of gametes and usually produces new combinations of inherited genetic information. Variation can increase the chance that some offspring survive environmental change, but it does not make every individual better suited. Reproductive success depends on conditions: rapid cloning may work well in a stable setting, while diverse offspring may be advantageous when conditions change. Neither strategy guarantees species survival, and some organisms can use both.
Example 1
Example 2
A disease kills every plant of one clone but spares some genetically varied plants. What advantage does the varied population show?
Variation means not all plants share the same susceptibility. Some may survive and reproduce; diversity does not guarantee every plant survives.
Watch out: It produces variation. Whether a particular inherited combination is advantageous depends on the environment.