Processes of reproduction are essential in creating new organisms, and one of the most complex forms of reproduction is sexual reproduction. In this method, there is a need for organisms to generate gametes, which are sex cells that should contain half the amount of chromosomes that make up a new organism. Basically, this takes place right after a male and a female organism mate, which is a natural process that results in the creation of a new organism. While this process seems to be all good, there are certain drawbacks that it might bring to the organisms involved in the process. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of sexual reproduction:
List of Advantages of Sexual Reproduction
1. It creates a preserved and expanding effect.
This method of reproduction will help preserve an existing genetic code of an allele to make sure that a certain species does not mutate, which is essential to its multiplication. Basically, this method ensures that an allele will find a partner to reproduce genes for organisms to continue to survive and exist in any habitat.
2. It provides enjoyment and pleasure.
Particularly in human beings, sexual reproduction allows two individuals to engage in intercourse, where they will get a sense of pleasure and enjoyment. Aside from this positive feeling during the experience, the happiness of having children and helping in the procreation process is something that one should not miss.
3. It ensures variation.
Sexual reproduction creates new organisms that can adapt to any change in the environment due to the variability of the offspring that allows a higher chance for evolution to happen. By mixing traits among offspring, defects in genes can be avoided to be passed on to the next generation, though this process requires certain amounts of effort to find the right mate. This means that this method might not be suitable for organisms that are not able to move from one place to another or those that are isolated.
List of Disadvantages of Sexual Reproduction
1. Its process is time-consuming.
Compared to asexual reproduction, reproducing offspring sexually takes longer due to the process of copulation not happening instantly. For humans, it would take nine months for females to conceive and produce a child. The wait is somehow the same for plants and animals, which is why breeders go for the asexual process.
2. It can create imbalance in the ecosystem.
This method can cause overpopulation when it goes out of hand, resulting to the ecosystem losing its balance and the food chain destroyed. Also, dominant species can trigger the extinction of others that live in the same habitat.
3. It can result to genetic malfunction.
Continued reproduction of an organism leads to a higher chance of creating complex genetic processes, which can result to offspring abnormalities. The reason for this is that sexual reproduction is less efficient when it comes to passing combinations of favorable genes.
It is very important to know exactly the consequences of sexual reproduction in producing healthy offspring and to avoid defects in its formation. By assessing its advantages and disadvantages, we will be able to figure out the positive and negative effects of the process. Moreover, we will be able to know what to expect before, during and after the process, which means that we will also be able to take the necessary precautions to make sure it is successful.
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.