Asexual reproduction vs. Sexual reproduction

Reproduction is a function of living things that ensures the survival of the species by producing new organisms. It results in the passing on of genetic information to a new generation.

Asexual reproduction is the process of reproducing cells or organisms without the union of separate individuals. Some single-celled organisms perform asexual reproduction by copying and splitting themselves through the process of mitosis. Asexual reproduction works well for organisms in stable environments that cannot search for a mate. Each new organism is genetically identical to the parent.

Sexual reproduction is the process of reproducing cells or organisms that requires both a male and female. Most mammals, reptiles, birds, insects, and fish reproduce through sexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction is practiced by most organisms that have males and females and that can search for a mate. Sexual reproduction results in greater genetic variation than asexual reproduction.

Because of the lack of genetic variation in asexual reproduction, those populations are more at risk to disease or environmental changes. Organisms that reproduce sexually, however, are better able to adapt to these challenges. There are some species that are known to reproduce both asexually and sexually.