What type of reproduction tends to exhibit greater genetic diversity?

Prepare for the IGCSE Biology test on human reproduction. Study with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each including hints and explanations. Excel in your exam!

Sexual reproduction is the correct answer as it involves the combination of genetic material from two distinct parents, leading to offspring with unique genetic combinations. This process includes mechanisms such as meiosis and fertilization, which shuffle and mix the genetic traits of both parents. As a result, each offspring is genetically different from the parents and from one another (barring identical twins), which enhances genetic diversity within a population.

Greater genetic diversity is crucial for the adaptability and survival of species, as it provides a broader range of traits that can respond to environmental changes, diseases, and other evolutionary pressures. In contrast, asexual reproduction, cloning, and fragmentation all result in offspring that are genetically identical or very similar to the parent organism, leading to less genetic variation in those populations. This lack of diversity can make a species more vulnerable to changes in the environment or the emergence of diseases.

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