Introduction:

Sexual reproduction is a process where two parents contribute genetic material to produce offspring. Asexual reproduction, on the other hand, involves only one parent and does not involve the fusion of gametes. Sexual reproduction generates more viable variation compared to asexual reproduction. This increased variation has significant implications for the evolution of organisms that reproduce sexually.

Increased Genetic Variation:

Sexual reproduction leads to more viable variation primarily due to two mechanisms: genetic recombination and mutation.

1. Genetic Recombination: During sexual reproduction, the genetic material from two parents combines through the process of meiosis, resulting in offspring with a unique combination of genes. This genetic recombination increases the diversity of traits within a population and allows for the possibility of new combinations that may enhance survival and adaptation.

2. Mutation: Mutations are random changes in the DNA sequence that can occur during the replication process. Sexual reproduction increases the chances of introducing beneficial mutations into a population. This is because the genetic material from two different individuals combines, increasing the pool of genetic variation available for selection. Beneficial mutations can provide advantages, such as resistance to diseases or changes in the environment.

Impact on Evolution:

The increased viable variation resulting from sexual reproduction has several important implications for the evolution of organisms.

1. Adaptation: Sexual reproduction provides a mechanism for organisms to adapt to changing environments. The variation generated through genetic recombination and mutation allows for the selection of traits that are better suited to the current environmental conditions. This enhances the chances of survival and reproduction for individuals with advantageous traits.

2. Resilience: Sexual reproduction increases the resilience of populations to environmental challenges. Genetic recombination and mutation provide a constant source of new genetic material, which can help populations withstand unfavorable conditions or recover from catastrophic events. This increases the overall survival and reproductive success of the population.

3. Reduced Vulnerability to Disease: The increased genetic variation resulting from sexual reproduction reduces the vulnerability of populations to diseases. This is because diverse genetic backgrounds make it less likely for a single disease to wipe out an entire population. Some individuals may possess genetic variants that confer resistance to specific diseases, allowing them to survive and pass on their genes.

In conclusion, sexual reproduction gives rise to more viable variation through genetic recombination and mutation. This increased variation enhances the ability of populations to adapt, increases resilience, and reduces vulnerability to diseases. These factors contribute to the evolutionary success of organisms that reproduce sexually.

Sexual reproduction gives rise to more viable variation than asexual reproduction. It is because there is an inbuilt tendency to variation during reproduction, both because of errors in DNA copying, and modes of sexual reproduction. The genes of the traits or characteristics are transmitted from one generation to the next generation and dominant characters are expressed. While in asexual reproduction, gene cannot be separated from the parent organism. The resulting variation in traits out of sexual reproduction not only help in survival of species but also support diversity in long run. Drift in genetic traits get accumulated spanning across generations, this gives rise to formation of new species