Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap. During the spring and summer, when food is abundant and temperatures are warm, female aphids reproduce asexually by parthenogenesis to produce clonal offspring. In autumn, as day length decreases and temperatures drop, they switch to sexual reproduction to produce fertilised eggs that overwinter.
Table 1 contains three statements about cell division. Complete Table 1 by identifying if each statement is true for Mitosis only, Meiosis only, or Both mitosis and meiosis.
| Statement | Mitosis only | Meiosis only | Both mitosis and meiosis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Produces genetically identical daughter cells | |||
| Involves two rounds of division | |||
| Involves the separation of sister chromatids |
One advantage of asexual reproduction for aphids is that it allows extremely rapid population growth to exploit abundant food resources. Suggest two other advantages of asexual reproduction for aphids.
Explain why sexual reproduction is an advantage for aphids, particularly during environmental transitions such as the onset of winter.