Question

What is the importance of reproduction?
A. Regeneration
B. Replication
C. Both A and B
D. Regeneration and passing on genes

Answer 1

Reproduction is a process by which an organism produces an offspring that are biologically similar to its own. Reproduction enables the continuity of species from generation to generation. It sustains life on earth. There are two types of reproduction namely asexual Reproduction and sexual Reproduction. Sexual reproduction gives rise to genetic diversity but asexual reproduction does not.

Complete explanation:
Option A regeneration: Regeneration is a type of asexual reproduction in which the organisms are able to regrow their body parts. This process is carried out by a special type of cells called stem cells. This is not the only significance of reproduction.
Option A is incorrect.
Option B replication: Replication is the biological process through which two identical replicas of DNA are produced from one original DNA molecule. It occurs in all living organisms, acting as the essential process for biological inheritance. However, this is not the significance of reproduction.
Option B is incorrect.
Option C both A and B: This option is wrong because option A and B are not correct answers for the question.
Option C is incorrect.
Option D regeneration and passing of genes: It is already known that regeneration is a type of asexual reproduction occurring in organisms. Passing of genes means the genes are passed from the parent to the offspring during reproduction. This allows for phenotypic and genotypic traits to be expressed over long periods of time. The genes that enhance survival of the organism are most likely to pass on and accumulate over time. This is the important significance of reproduction.
Option D is correct.

Hence, the correct answer is option D. regeneration and passing of genes.

Note:
Sexual reproduction provides more advantage than asexual reproduction. This is because in sexual reproduction the fusion of male and female gametes occurs which gives rise to variation in offspring. In asexual reproduction, only one parent is involved. Hence, there are no possibilities for genetic variations among the offspring. The newly formed organism is physically and genetically identical to its parent.