Benefits of Asexual Reproduction
Most people are familiar with sexual reproduction. Nevertheless, many species usually propagate via asexual reproduction, which is unlike sexual reproduction since it produces identical offspring to the parents. The following are benefits of asexual reproduction.
1. Huge offspring numbers
The major asexual reproduction advantage is basically the high number of progeny produced. It enables both plants and animals to produce numerous offspring much more efficiently and quickly. More offspring translates to a better likelihood of genes spreading, and thus making certain the plant or animal is highly favored with regards to natural selection.
2. Does not need mobility
Reproducing asexually provides a great benefit for organisms living in unchanging, stable environments. Plants and animals that hardly ever move and remain in an unchanging location find it highly beneficial to breed asexually. Reproducing sexually requires looking for a good mate, something that is not possible for moderately immobile organisms.
3. Cloning
An offspring produced due to asexual reproduction has similar DNA to the parents as well as other offspring. This means that cells produced by reproducing asexually are actually clones. In commercial farming, precedence is normally given to creation of larger number of plants or crops in little time. Cloning is therefore beneficial in these instances. In fact, breeding stock got from this particular type of reproduction is utilized to propagate species in future.
4. Versatile
Asexual reproduction can easily take various forms, enabling it to flourish in different environments. A good example is budding, in which the offspring directly grows from the parent’s body and then disengages on maturity. Since partners are not necessary for the occurrence of asexual reproduction, it is thereby an easier and faster method of reproduction.
However, asexual reproduction does not serve the purpose of enriching genetic diversity as it produces identical offspring. Sexual reproduction, conversely, results in the creation of high quality and unique offspring.
