A Level Biology Practice Exam

What is a key aspect of asexual reproduction?

1. Involves two parent organisms

2. Involves genetic recombination

3. Results in genetically identical offspring from a single parent

4. Occurs only in higher organisms

The correct answer is: Results in genetically identical offspring from a single parent

A key aspect of asexual reproduction is that it results in genetically identical offspring from a single parent. This process allows organisms to reproduce without the need for a mate, creating clones of themselves. As a result, the offspring inherit the same genetic material as the parent, maintaining the genetic uniformity that characterizes this form of reproduction. Contrastingly, the other aspects mentioned do not apply to asexual reproduction. For instance, it does not involve two parent organisms; rather, it is typically managed by one parent. Genetic recombination is a feature of sexual reproduction, where the mixing of genetic material from two parents leads to offspring with varied genetic traits. Furthermore, asexual reproduction is not limited to higher organisms; it is commonly observed in simpler life forms such as bacteria, protists, and some plants and fungi, underscoring its wide occurrence across various groups of organisms.