Question

Some species of organisms can reproduce either asexually through mitosis or sexually, which requires meiosis. In which of the following situations would it be the least beneficial for a species to reproduce asexually rather than sexually?
a. one in which potential mates are difficult to find
b. one in which resources such as food and water are abundant
c. one in which the environment undergoes sudden, drastic changes
d. one in which the species is not capable of locomotion

Answer 1

I would say B is probably the best answer. I don't see how asexual reproduction would be not beneficial for A, where there's no potential mates around when you need to reproduce, C, you'd want to be able to reproduce quickly under changing environments and D, if an organism is not capable of moving, it can't reach potential mates, and therefore can't reproduce.

Answer 2

I would say C. Sexual reproduction makes genetic diversity possible. If the environment changes drastically and suddenly, some organisms are likely to die because their genetic make-up doesn't allow them to adjust to these changes. But the more diversity, the greater the chance that at least some organisms of a particular species will have the right genes to adapt to the new environmental conditions.