# Explain why the offspring produced by sexual reproduction show more genetic variation than those produced by asexual reproduction.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 7.3 Variation and evolution · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female gametes (fertilisation)
2. Gametes from two different parents each contribute different alleles / genetic information
3. Asexual reproduction involves only one parent, so offspring are genetically identical to the parent
4. Sexual reproduction therefore produces different combinations of alleles in offspring, increasing 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 Eduqas GCSE Biology](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-the-offspring-produced-by-98f54ba3) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.