# A population of bacteria reproduces asexually during a period of ideal conditions, rapidly colonising a nutrient-rich environment. Explain why this same population is at greater risk of being entirely destroyed by a new pathogen compared with a population that reproduces sexually.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 16.1 Asexual reproduction · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Asexual reproduction produces genetically identical offspring (clones)
2. Because all individuals are genetically identical, if a pathogen can infect or kill one organism it can infect or kill all of them
3. Sexual reproduction produces genetic variation / genetically different offspring
4. In a sexually reproducing population, some individuals may have resistance to the pathogen and survive, so the whole population is not destroyed

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](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-population-of-bacteria-reproduces-asexually-d567a8ba) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.