Write one main difference between asexual and sexual mode of reproduction. Which species is likely to have comparatively better chances of survival – the one reproducing asexually or the one reproducing sexually? Give reason to justify your answer.

•The primary or the main difference between asexual and sexual reproduction is that sexual reproduction involves two parents whereas asexual reproduction requires only one. Also in sexual reproduction male and female gametes are formed which fuse to give rise to an offspring. However, in asexual reproduction, there is no gamete formation.

•Species that reproduce via sexual reproduction would be able to survive better. This is because sexual reproduction gives rise to variations in offspring.

•Variations allow an organism to survive and adapt to new environments better.

•If a population of reproducing organisms were suited to a particular niche and if the niche were drastically altered, the population could be wiped out. However, if some variations were to be present in a few individuals in these populations, there would be some chance for them to survive.

•For example, if there were a population of bacteria living in temperate waters, and if the water temperature were to be increased by global warming, most of these bacteria would die, but the few variants resistant to heat would survive and grow further.