LESSON 2

Asexual and Sexual

Reproduction

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Female grizzly bears have a litter of one to four cubs. The cubs
will stay with their mother for two to three years.

By the end of this lesson . . .

you will be able to describe how reproduction
relates to genetic diversity.

140 Unit 3 Reproduction, Heredity, and Growth

 Go online to view the digital version of
the Hands-On Lab for this lesson and to
download additional lab resources.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN IT?

Why is the Cavendish banana in danger of extinction?
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt • Image Credits: ©Nigel Cattlin/Alamy; (inset) ©David Hancock/Alamy

Banana crops throughout the world are being devastated by a fungal infection commonly known
as Panama disease.

Panama disease is caused by a soil fungus, which enters the plant through the
roots. The fungus grows in the plant's transport tissue and blocks the flow of water
and nutrients throughout the plant. The Cavendish banana is the variety of banana
most commonly eaten by people in the United States. This survival of the Cavendish
banana is being threatened by this widespread disease.

1. What factors do you think might be making it difficult for farmers to treat this
disease in their banana plants?

EVIDENCE NOTEBOOK As you explore the lesson, gather evidence to help

you explain why the Cavendish banana is facing extinction.

Lesson 2 Asexual and Sexual Reproduction 141

 EXPLORATION 1

Describing Types of Reproduction

Earth is home to millions of species of plants, animals, and other living things. In order
for a species to survive, individual organisms of that species must make more organisms
like themselves. Organisms produce offspring, or young organisms like themselves.
Reproduction—the process by which organisms generate a new individual of the same
species—is a characteristic of all living things. During the process of reproduction,
organisms pass genetic material to their offspring.

Parents and Offspring

Thornback ray and pup

Thornback ray females lay two eggs
in sand or gravel in shallow waters.

©Marvin Dembinsky Photo Associates/Alamy

The eggs hatch into pups after 4–6
months. The pups will grow into
mature adults in 5–8 years.

Luna moth and caterpillar

Luna moths lay hundreds of eggs.
The caterpillars that hatch will
feed for 3–4 weeks and then spin
a cocoon of silk. They emerge as
adults after 2–3 weeks.

Teddy bear cactus and

©Lepus/David Nicholson/Science Source; (tcl) ©Studio410/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty

Photo Researchers, Inc.; (bl) ©SteveByland/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images; (br)

Images; (tcr) ©George Grail/National Geographic/Getty Images; (bcl, bcr) ©Dan Suzio/
clones

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt • Image Credits: (tl) ©Hinrich Bäsemann/dpa/Corbis; (tr)

Teddy bear cactus branches can
stick to the fur of animals. The
branches fall off the traveling
animal and grow as a clone plant.

Green frog and tadpole

Frogs lay thousands of eggs in
water. Tadpoles hatch from the
eggs. After about 12 weeks of
development, they are ready to
leave the water as adult frogs.

2. Compare and contrast the reproduction and growth of these organisms.

142 Unit 3 Reproduction, Heredity, and Growth

 Types of Reproduction
The two types of reproduction are asexual reproduction and sexual
reproduction. In asexual reproduction, a single individual is the
parent. The parent passes copies of its genes to its offspring, so the
offspring are genetically identical to the parent unless gene mutations
occur. Most unicellular organisms reproduce asexually. Fungi, plants,
and some animals can reproduce asexually. Asexual reproduction
allows an organism to reproduce quickly and can produce a large
number of offspring in a short period of time. These bacteria reproduce by means of
binary fission. During binary fission, an
3. How many parents are involved in the reproduction of each organism makes a copy of its DNA and
then splits in two.
bacterium?

In sexual reproduction, there are two parents. Each parent

contributes half of its genetic information to the offspring, so the
offspring are genetically different from both parents. Most multicellular
organisms reproduce sexually, including plants and animals. Sexual
reproduction usually takes more time and produces fewer offspring
than asexual reproduction. However, sexual reproduction increases
genetic variation. This variation increases the chance that some
offspring will have new traits that will help them survive a changing
environment.

4. How many parents are involved in the reproduction of this

flowering plant?
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt • Image Credits: (t) ©CNRI/Science Source; (b) ©Dirk

Some organisms can reproduce both asexually and sexually, depending

on environmental conditions and other factors. Organisms that can use
both types of reproduction include fungi, many plants, some reptiles
and fish, and a few types of insects.
This coral dahlia flower has male
5. Redwood trees can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Which and female parts. The male parts
Herdramm/EyeEm/Getty Images

type of reproduction do you think might be an advantage if a large make pollen, which contains male
clearing around the tree became available? reproductive cells. Pollen from one
flower can be transferred to the female
part of another flower, beginning the
process of reproduction.

EVIDENCE NOTEBOOK
6. Banana plants grown for food crops are the result of asexual
reproduction. Does the genetic information of each plant come from one
or two parents? Record your evidence.

Lesson 2 Asexual and Sexual Reproduction 143

 Identify Asexual and Sexual Reproduction

7. Read about the reproductive processes of the animals below. Then decide
whether the process is an example of asexual reproduction,
sexual reproduction, or both.

Male bluegills create nests for female

bluegills to lay their eggs. The male
bluegills fertilize the eggs with their
sperm. Male bluegills guard the eggs
until they hatch.

Male and female jellyfish release sperm

and eggs into the water. A fertilized egg
develops into a larva that will grow into
a polyp. The polyp will release a portion
of its body into the water that will grow
into an adult jellyfish.

Corals can reproduce in a variety of

ways. One way is by a process that can
produce a new coral from a fragment.
A portion of a coral may be broken off
by a boat, a person, or an animal. The
broken piece can grow into a new coral.

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Castillo/Moment/Getty Images; (bc) ©Jolanta Wojcicka/Shutterstock; (b) ©pressdigital/
Engineer It
Develop a Hybrid
Farmers often breed two different varieties of a
plant to produce offspring with desirable traits.
These plants are called hybrids. The farmer selects
parents with traits that are desired in the offspring,
such as flower color, plant height, fruit yield, or pest
resistance. iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

8. A rose farmer needs to grow plants that produce

orange flowers in the colder fall months to meet There are thousands of rose hybrids in nearly every color and
a variety of shapes.
customer demand. Describe how the farmer
might try to produce this hybrid.

144 Unit 3 Reproduction, Heredity, and Growth

 EXPLORATION 2

Relating Reproduction to Genetic Variation

Reproduction is the process by which organisms inherit genes,

which are segments of DNA on a chromosome. The genes inherited
from the parent or parents determine the genetic traits of offspring.
When an organism reproduces asexually, all the genetic material
of the offspring is inherited from one parent. When an organism
reproduces sexually, the offspring receives half of its genes from
each parent.
Although hydras sometimes reproduce sexually, they
reproduce mainly by budding, a type of asexual reproduction.
A hydra is an animal that lives in freshwater.
A bud begins to grow on an adult’s body. When it has developed a Its body is shaped like a tube. It has
mouth and tentacles, the bud breaks off from the adult. Amphibians tentacles around its mouth.
reproduce sexually. Female adult amphibians lay eggs that are
fertilized by sperm from adult male amphibians.

9. Discuss Do you think the offspring of each organism are

genetically identical to the parent or not genetically identical to
the parent? Support your argument with evidence.

An amphibian is an animal that lives both

on land and in water.

Inheritance and Transfer of DNA in Asexual Reproduction

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Asexual Reproduction
Prokaryotes, such as bacteria, are unicellular and
reproduce by a type of cell division called
©Robin Moore/National Geographic Magazines/Getty Images

binary fission. This process results in two unicellular parent cell

organisms that are genetically identical to the
parent. Asexual reproduction in multicellular
organisms is more complicated but also usually
involves a type of cell division that results in
genetically identical cells. duplication of parent DNA
Having offspring that are genetically identical
to the parent ensures that any favorable traits
that the parent has are passed on to the offspring.
However, if the environment changes, a population
with low genetic variation is less likely to have
separation of new cells
individuals with traits that allow them to survive.

two genetically identical cells

Lesson 2 Asexual and Sexual Reproduction 145

 Do the Math
Calculate the Rate of
Asexual Reproduction
Generation time is the average time between two generations in a
population. For example, if a certain type of bacteria reproduces every
20 minutes, then the generation time is 20 minutes. Since bacteria
reproduce by dividing into two cells, a bacteria population can double
in a generation time. Lactococcus lactis is a bacteria used
commonly in the production of cheese.

10. Use the data from the table to create a line graph of the bacteria Number of
population over time. Time
Lactococcus
(in minutes)
lactis Cells
0 1
52 2
104 4
156 8
208 16
260 32
312 64

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt • Image Credits: ©SCIMAT/Science Source

11. What is the independent variable? What is the dependent variable?

12. The generation time of most bacteria can be measured in minutes. What advantage
might there be in being able to reproduce very rapidly?

13. If bacteria cells can reproduce so fast, then why don’t bacteria take over the world?

146 Unit 3 Reproduction, Heredity, and Growth

 Inheritance and Transfer of DNA in Sexual Reproduction
Sexual Reproduction female parent male parent
Sexual reproduction requires two parents. Each
parent produces gametes, or sex cells. In animals,
many plants, algae, and fungi, female organisms
produce eggs and male organisms produce sperm
cells. Gametes have half the total number of
egg sperm
chromosomes, one copy of each chromosome. The
parent gametes are all genetically different.
During sexual reproduction, a sperm cell and
an egg join in a process called fertilization. When an
egg is fertilized by a sperm cell, a new, genetically
different cell is formed. This cell—called a zygote— offspring
has a complete set of genetic material because it has
received half of its chromosomes from one parent
and half from the other parent. Thus, the zygote has
inherited two copies of each gene, one from each parent. The genes may be identical, or
they may differ from one another. The zygote will go through many cell divisions to form
an organism that is genetically different from both parents.

14. What other genetic combinations might be possible from the parent organisms
shown in the diagram? Circle the letter of all possibilities that apply.

A. B.

C. D.
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Advantages of Genetic Variation

Sexual reproduction increases genetic variation in a population of organisms. Offspring
have different traits from their parents and from each other. This genetic variation
improves the chance that at least some individuals will survive. If the environment
changes, a population with greater genetic variation is more likely to have individuals
with traits that will allow them to survive new conditions.

Lesson 2 Asexual and Sexual Reproduction 147

 Hands-On Lab
Model Asexual and Sexual Reproduction

You will predict the genotypes and phenotypes resulting from the asexual
and sexual reproduction of apple trees. You will then compare the effects MATERIALS
that each type of reproduction has on genetic variation in the apple tree • coins (6)
population. • colored pencils
Apple trees are one of the most valuable fruit crops in the United • marker
States, including nearly 100 different varieties, or cultivars. Apple trees • masking tape
produce flowers that are visited by animals, such as honeybees, that carry
pollen from one tree to another tree. Apple trees can be also be grown from
root cuttings. Aphids are common pests of the apple tree. They feed on the tree juices in
leaves and can reduce tree growth if present in high numbers.

Procedure and Analysis

STEP 1 Examine the information in the table describing the genetics of several apple
tree traits.

Trait Dominant Allele (Symbol) Recessive Allele (Symbol)

flower color pink (F) white (f)
fruit color red (C) green (c)
aphid resistance not resistant (R) resistant (r)

STEP 2 What are all the possible genotypes that can result in a tree with pink flowers,
green fruit, and aphid resistance?

STEP 3 List all possible genotypes and phenotypes for each trait of the offspring that
could result from the asexual reproduction of an apple tree with the genotype
FfCcRr. Record the genotypes and phenotypes in the table.

STEP 4 List all possible genotypes and phenotypes for each trait of the offspring that
could result from the sexual reproduction of an apple tree with the parental
genotypes FfCcRr × FfCcRr. Record the genotypes and phenotypes in the table.

Asexual Reproduction Sexual Reproduction

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

genotypes phenotypes genotypes phenotypes

STEP 5 How do the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring for each type of
reproduction compare to each other?

148 Unit 3 Reproduction, Heredity, and Growth

 STEP 6 The probability of offspring receiving certain alleles as the result of sexual
reproduction can be modeled using a coin toss. Use masking tape and a
marker to make a set of three coins to represent the alleles of one parent
(FfCcRr). For example, one coin should be labeled with F on one side and f on
the other side.

STEP 7 Make another set of coins to represent the other parent (FfCcRr).

STEP 8 Toss all six coins to determine the genotype of one offspring. Record the
offspring genotype and phenotype in the table.

STEP 9 Repeat the toss two more times. Record the offspring genotype and
phenotypes in the table.

Round of
Genotype Phenotype
Reproduction

STEP 10 How do the genotypes and phenotypes of the offspring compare to the
parents and to each other?

STEP 11 Summarize the relationship between each type of reproduction and genetic
variation in offspring.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Lesson 2 Asexual and Sexual Reproduction 149

 EVIDENCE NOTEBOOK
15. Genetic variation can result in differences in many traits, including
resistance to diseases. Describe the genetic variation of the banana
plants grown for food. How do you think this level of variation relates to
the threat of Panama disease in banana crops? Record your evidence.

Language SmArts
Compare Asexual and
Sexual Reproduction
• one parent • faster
16. Compare asexual reproduction and sexual • two parents • slower
reproduction by completing the Venn diagram • produces offspring • many offspring
with phrases from the word bank. • genetic variation • few offspring

Asexual Sexual
Reproduction Both Reproduction

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

17. Using your completed Venn diagram, write a summary detailing the advantages
and disadvantages of each type of reproduction.

150 Unit 3 Reproduction, Heredity, and Growth

 TAKE IT FURTHER

Continue Your Exploration

Name: Date:

Check out the path below or go online to choose one of the other paths shown.

Factors That • Hands-On Labs Go online to

Influence choose one
• Odd Reproduction of these other
Reproduction • Propose Your Own Path paths.

Nearly every multicellular organism reproduces sexually, but some can also
reproduce asexually. Environmental factors, such light, temperature, and food
supply, can influence the type of reproduction used by these organisms. Organisms
that can use both types of reproduction are able to successfully reproduce when
conditions are favorable and also when conditions become more challenging.

Honeybee reproduction occurs when a queen bee mates with a male bee, called a drone.
The queen is the only female bee that mates. She uses the drone’s sperm to fertilize eggs
that will develop into female worker bees. An average colony has between 20,000 and
80,000 workers. The queen can also lay unfertilized eggs that will develop into drones.
An average colony has between 300 and 800 drones.

1. How is this method of

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reproduction advantageous to
the honeybee colony? Select
all that apply.
A. The queen bee is the only
member of the hive that
is the result of sexual
reproduction.
B. Sexually produced
worker bees have genetic
diversity, which could
increase their overall
fitness.
C. Male bees are not
necessary for the colony
to function and can be
produced only when
needed for mating.

Lesson 2 Asexual and Sexual Reproduction 151

 TAKE IT FURTHER

Continue Your Exploration

Fungi are multicellular organisms that can live

anywhere there is decaying matter, but many
species of fungi are associated with trees. Fungi
often reproduce asexually by releasing spores, which
are reproductive cells that can develop into a new
individual without fusing with another reproductive
cell. They can also reproduce asexually by budding.
Fungi can reproduce sexually when spores from two
parents fuse.

2. Describe how environmental changes might

affect the type of reproduction utilized by fungi.
Relate the type of reproduction to genetic
variation of offspring in your answer.

Strawberry plants can reproduce sexually by

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producing fruit or asexually by sending out runners.
Runners are extensions of the central stem of the
plant that spread out along the ground and grow
into new strawberry plants.

Images; (b) ©Julia Volodina/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

3. What is the advantage of sending out many
runners from the central stem? What is the
disadvantage to the central plant?

4. Collaborate Other organisms that can reproduce both sexually and asexually
include Komodo dragons, stick insects, ginger plants, and yeasts. With a classmate,
select one of these species and research its reproductive strategies. Under what
conditions does the organism use the different modes of reproduction? Present your
findings in a poster or presentation.

152 Unit 3 Reproduction, Heredity, and Growth

 LESSON 2 SELF-CHECK

Can You Explain It?

Name: Date:

Why is the Cavendish banana in danger of extinction?

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt • Image Credits: ©Nigel Cattlin/Alamy; ©David Hancock/Alamy (inset)

EVIDENCE NOTEBOOK
Refer to the notes in your Evidence Notebook to help you construct an
explanation for why the Cavendish banana is facing extinction.

1. State your claim. Make sure your claim fully explains why the Cavendish banana is in
danger of extinction.

2. Summarize the evidence you have gathered to support your claim and explain
your reasoning.

Lesson 2 Asexual and Sexual Reproduction 153

 LESSON 2 SELF-CHECK

Checkpoints

Answer the following questions to check your understanding of the lesson.

Use the photo to answer Questions 3 and 4.
3. Marmosets usually give birth to fraternal twins,
two offspring that grow from two different
fertilized eggs. Marmoset twins are genetically
identical / not identical.

4. What advantage does the white-faced marmoset

gain by its method of reproduction?
A. The marmoset population has genetic
variation.
B. The marmoset can reproduce without a mate.
C. The marmoset can reproduce many offspring
at a time.
D. The marmoset can reproduce by budding.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt • Image Credits: (t) ©blickwinkel/Alamy; (b) ©Say-Cheese/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
A white-faced marmoset protects her fraternal twin pups.

Use the photo to answer Questions 5 and 6.

5. Dandelions can produce seeds by both asexual
and sexual reproduction. How does this benefit
the dandelion? Select all that apply.
A. The sexually produced plants provide genetic
diversity to the population.
B. The asexually produced plants ensure that
favorable traits are passed to the offspring.
C. The sexually produced plants do not compete
with the asexually produced plants.
D. The asexually produced plants can rapidly
colonize an area.

6. If you pull a dandelion plant out of the ground, a

new dandelion plant can grow from fragments of A young dandelion flower (yellow florets) grows next to a
the deep taproot that may be left behind. Under mature flower with a full seed head.
which environmental conditions might this be
advantageous? Select all that apply.
A. warm surface conditions
B. dry surface conditions
C. cold surface conditions
D. wet surface conditions

154 Unit 3 Reproduction, Heredity, and Growth

 LESSON 2 SELF-CHECK

Interactive Review
Complete this section to review the main concepts of the lesson.

Two types of reproduction are asexual reproduction, which involves one parent,
and sexual reproduction, which involves two parents.
A. Compare the advantages of each type of
reproduction.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt • Image Credits: (t) ©SteveByland/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images; (b) ©Tom Branch/Science Source

Asexual reproduction results in offspring that are genetically identical to the

parent. Sexual reproduction results in offspring that have a combination of
genes from each parent.
B. Draw a diagram that compares inheritance that
results from asexual reproduction to inheritance
that results from sexual reproduction.

Lesson 2 Asexual and Sexual Reproduction 155