# Explain why sexual reproduction leads to greater genetic variation in offspring compared with asexual reproduction.

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

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female gametes (fertilisation)
2. Gametes are produced by meiosis, which produces genetically different cells
3. Combining gametes from two parents means offspring inherit a different combination of alleles from each parent, increasing genetic variation
4. Asexual reproduction involves a single parent and produces genetically identical offspring (no new combinations of alleles)

## Key terms

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

## 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)
- [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-why-sexual-reproduction-leads-to-d6925226) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.