# Explain why sexual reproduction produces offspring with more genetic variation than asexual reproduction.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.6.1 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 non-identical cells / gametes with different combinations of alleles
3. Fertilisation combines alleles from two parents, producing new combinations of alleles in the offspring
4. Asexual reproduction involves only one parent and produces genetically identical offspring (so no genetic variation)

## 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 AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](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/explain-why-sexual-reproduction-produces-offspring-fdb16407) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.