Question

Define the two types of reproduction. State one advantage and one disadvantage that organisms that use each type of reproduction would experience. Give an example of an organism that uses each type.

Answer 1

The 2 types of reproduction are sexual and asexual reproduction.

Reproduction involving only one parent without any fusion of gametes and production of offspring identical to parent via mitosis is defined as Asexual reproduction.
Advantage : Old or original phenotype and genotype is maintained in all generations.
Disadvantage : There is no variation among the offsprings hence fitness decreases in generations.
Example : Most Bacteria, fungi, etc.

Reproduction involving mating of two parents (male and female) leading to fusion of gametes and production of zygote is defined as Sexual reproduction. It involves meiosis to produce gametes and after fusion of gametes mitosis takes place. Offsprings are never completely identical to any parent.
Advantage : Variation exixts in the offsprings, hence fitness of species is maintained.
Disadvantage : Dependency on partner to produce an offspring.
Example : Animals - humans,dog,cat,etc.