# Explain how sexual reproduction produces offspring with greater genetic variation than asexual reproduction.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 2.4.1 Variation · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of two gametes (fertilisation) / two parents contribute genetic material
2. Gametes each contain half the chromosome number / one allele from each pair, so offspring receive a different combination of alleles from each parent
3. This means offspring have a unique combination of alleles / genotype, leading to variation in phenotype
4. Asexual reproduction involves only one parent and produces genetically identical offspring (clones), so there is no variation in genotype

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-sexual-reproduction-produces-offspring-b018f7b0) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.