[Campbell Biology P.889] Asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction both play significant ... | Practice Question

Asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction both play significant roles in the life cycles of flowering plants. Which statement accurately highlights an advantage of one of these reproductive strategies?

  • A: Asexual reproduction primarily contributes to increased genetic variation, which is crucial for evolutionary adaptation.
  • B: Sexual reproduction allows plants to proliferate quickly and efficiently colonize new environments.
  • C: Self-incompatibility mechanisms promote self-fertilization to ensure seed production even in the absence of pollinators.
  • D: Asexual reproduction enables the successful proliferation of plants in stable environments where genetic diversity is less critical.
  • E: Plants cannot be cloned from single cells, making genetic manipulation difficult.

Explanation

Asexual reproduction also known as vegetative reproduction allows for quick proliferation of plants. While it doesn't provide genetic variation, it's advantageous in stable environments where the parent plant is already well-adapted, ensuring the successful continuation of that successful genotype. The text specifically states: 'Asexual reproduction, also known as vegetative reproduction, enables successful plants to proliferate quickly.'