Sexual vs. Asexual Reproduction

-Is sex necessary? discussion

 

-Asexual reproduction - any means of multiplying that does not involve both egg and sperm or similar structures.

a.vegetative

b. budding of smaller individuals

c. parthenogenetic - developing from unfertilized egg

 

-Discussion of asexual vs sexual reproduction

 

-Asexual reproduction produces clones - genetically the same

 

-Some animals can be sexual and asexual EX: Bees

 

-Hermaphrodism - existence of reproductive organs of both sexes in the same individual Ex: plants, leaches, worms

 

-Evolved this way because they are fixed in place or can't move very far

 

-Often selective pressure to not inbreed.

 

-Discussion - evolutionary roles of males and females - parental investment.

-Male - number of sperm he can get out - less energy - male will mate with anything - limiting factor is finding a mate.

-Female - limiting factor is the egg - time investment - eggs that survive - female is choosy because of big investment - raising young.

 

-sexual dimorphism - male and female having different appearances - discussion of why this occurred - EX: horns and colors

 

-mating systems and discussion of evolution

-polygynous

-polygamy

-polyandry

-monogamy

 

-Ecology and mating systems - discussion relationship to area

 

-Altruistic behavior - behavior that favors the reproductive success not of the individual, but of another member of the species - why it evolved i.e. kin selection EX:prairie dogs

 

-Social insects - division of labor show how sisters are more related to each other than to mother .

 

-Father = haploid 100% Mother = diploid 50% Sister 3/4 related


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