An insect species can reproduce sexually or asexually. Scientists started two populations with the same number of insects. The insects used to start the asexual population were genetically identical. Both populations were kept in favourable conditions for three weeks. A new disease was then introduced.
| Reproductive method used | Number of insects after three weeks | Number alive one week after the disease was introduced |
|---|---|---|
| Asexual reproduction | 600 | 0 |
| Sexual reproduction | 220 | 44 |
Explain why it would be advantageous for this insect species to reproduce asexually when conditions are favourable and sexually when a new disease is likely. Use the data in the table.
62 exam-style questions on AQA GCSE Biology 6.1 Reproduction, covering 6.1.1 Sexual and asexual reproduction, 6.1.2 Meiosis, 6.1.3 Advantages and disadvantages of sexual and asexual reproduction, 6.1.4 DNA and the genome, 6.1.5 DNA structure, 6.1.6 Genetic inheritance, 6.1.7 Inherited disorders, and 6.1.8 Sex determination. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.