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9A: Sexual vs Asexual Reproduction
Outcomes:
By the end of the lesson you will understand some of the advantages and disadvantages of asexual reproduction.
Engage:
Did you know that, there are some strange mating behaviours that exist amongst organisms. One small marsupial for example, Antechinus males go into a hormone fueled (often destructive) mating frenzy that lasts for 2-3 weeks, often seeking out females for 14 hours a day. During this time males can suffer from internal bleeding, hair loss and weakened immune system (resulting in gangrene) leading to most males dying before the age of 1.
Another organism that displays strange behaviours, supplies their choosen mate with decapitated plant sex organs and are left to slowly wither, rare stones and metal. These organism also take their mate to spots in which they can exclusively feed on specific foods.
Learning Tasks:
Explain
Explain
In table groups, brainstorm advantages & disadvantages of either sexual or asexual reproduction.
Find a group that did the opposite mode of reproduction. Share and discuss your ideas.
Explore
Explore
Task 1: Play the following Game
Task 2: Research an organism that is able to reproduce both sexually and asexually. Write a paragraph outlining the advantages and disadvantages of this strategy.
Evaluate
Evaluate
Exam Style Multiple Choice
What is one disadvantage of asexual reproduction?
A. There is a lot of variation among the offspring.
B. A lot of energy is required to find a mate.
C. If the environment changes the offspring may not survive.
D. Population growth is relatively slow.
What is one advantage of asexual reproduction?
A. There is genetic diversity amongst the offspring.
B. The offspring are better adapted to the environment than the parent.
C. The parent does not need to locate a mate.
D. It takes more energy than sexual reproduction.
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