Which statement is a positive of sexual reproduction?

• A. Offspring are identical to the parent.
• B. Genetic variation.
• C. Only one parent is needed.
• D. No energy is required.

Answer: (B)

Genetic variation among offspring arises in sexual reproduction because two parents contribute genetic material during meiosis and fertilization, producing offspring with different combinations of genes. This variation is beneficial because it increases the chances that some individuals will possess traits helping them cope with changing environments or resist diseases. The idea that offspring are identical to the parent describes asexual reproduction, which produces clones. The notion that only one parent is needed is incorrect for sexual reproduction, which requires two parents. And energy is required for reproduction, so saying no energy is needed isn’t accurate.