State two advantages and two disadvantages of asexual reproduction.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 16.1 Asexual reproduction · State · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Advantage 1: only one parent is required / no mate needed
Advantage 2: large numbers of offspring can be produced quickly / requires less energy
Disadvantage 1: lack of genetic diversity / all offspring are genetically identical
Disadvantage 2: population is prone to extinction from disease / cannot adapt to environmental change

Examiner tips

Use the exact phrases from the mark scheme to secure full marks
Keep each point brief and separate with a line break or bullet
Avoid extra words that may distract the examiner

Common mistakes

Writing the advantages and disadvantages in the wrong order, losing marks for each point
Using vague terms like ‘fast’ or ‘many’ instead of the specific phrases required

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Advantage 1: only one parent is required / no mate needed
Advantage 2: large numbers of offspring can be produced quickly / requires less energy
Disadvantage 1: lack of genetic diversity / all offspring are genetically identical
Disadvantage 2: population is prone to extinction from disease / cannot adapt to environmental change

Key terms in this question

asexual reproduction