Explain how sexual reproduction gives rise to more viable variations than asexual reproduction. How does this affect the evolution of those organisms that reproduce sexually?

Solution:

Sexual reproduction causes a lot of viable variations because of the following reasons:

(a) Error in copying of DNA (though it was rare)

(b) Random segregation of paternal and maternal chromosomes at the time of sex cell formation.

(c) Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during the formation of gametes.

(d) Accumulation of variations occurred because of reproduction over generation after generation, and choice naturally created wide diversity.

(e) In the case of asexual reproduction, variation is severely limited as there is only one parent involved. Hence, the offspring is genetically similar to the parent