# A coral reef contains coral organisms that can reproduce both sexually and asexually. During a period of stable, warm conditions, the coral reproduces mainly by asexual reproduction. When environmental conditions change dramatically, the coral population that reproduces sexually is more likely to survive. Explain why sexual reproduction increases the chance of survival of the coral population when environmental conditions change dramatically.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 3.1 Sexual and asexual reproduction · Explain · 4 marks

> Coral organisms are capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. Scientists have observed that coral populations which reproduce sexually tend to survive environmental changes more successfully than those reproducing only asexually.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes / fertilisation from two parents
2. This produces offspring with genetic variation / offspring are genetically different from each other and the parents
3. Some offspring may have alleles / genotypes that are better suited to the new environmental conditions
4. These better-adapted individuals survive and reproduce, so the population survives / the species is less likely to become extinct

## Key terms

- [sexual reproduction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/sexual-reproduction)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-coral-reef-contains-coral-organisms-2663759f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.