AQA GCSE Biology

Sexual vs asexual reproduction

AQA GCSE Biology revision on Sexual vs asexual reproduction. Aligned to the AQA GCSE Biology 8461 specification. This bank has 25 practice questions on this topic.

Sample questions (3 of 25)

  1. Question 1

    Which process is essential to produce the gametes required for sexual reproduction in humans?

    • A) Binary fission
    • B) Meiosis
    • C) Mitosis
    • D) Fertilisation
    Show answer

    Answer: Meiosis

    Sexual reproduction requires the fusion of two haploid gametes to form a diploid zygote. Meiosis reduces the chromosome number from 46 to 23, ensuring that when fertilisation occurs, the offspring has the correct total number of chromosomes.

  2. Question 2

    Why does asexual reproduction allow for a rapid increase in population size?

    • A) It involves two parents
    • B) It uses binary fission
    • C) It requires no mating
    • D) It creates variation
    Show answer

    Answer: It requires no mating

    Because asexual reproduction involves only one parent and does not rely on the production of gametes or the search for a mate, the cycle of division can occur very quickly. This allows a population to colonise an area rapidly under favourable environmental conditions.

  3. Question 3

    What is the primary biological advantage of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction in a changing environment?

    • A) Increased energy usage
    • B) Genetic variation
    • C) Faster growth rates
    • D) Clonal consistency
    Show answer

    Answer: Genetic variation

    Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of genetic material from two parents, which creates variation in the offspring. This variation increases the likelihood that at least some individuals will possess traits suited to survive if the environment changes or a new disease emerges.

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