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Edexcel IGCSE Biology · Spec 3.1

Sexual and Asexual Reproduction

The differences between sexual and asexual reproduction, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

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Sexual and Asexual Reproduction

Spec 3.1

What you need to know

  • Describe the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction
  • Recall that sexual reproduction needs two parents and sex cells called gametes
  • Recall that asexual reproduction needs only one parent and produces identical clones

Active recall

Quick check

Answer each question before opening the answer.

Give two differences between sexual and asexual reproduction.

Sexual — two parents, gametes fuse, offspring vary genetically. Asexual — one parent, no gametes, offspring genetically identical (clones).

State one advantage of sexual and one of asexual reproduction.

Sexual — variation helps species adapt/survive. Asexual — fast and no mate needed.

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