OCR GCSE Biology B (Twenty First Century)
OCR GCSE Biology B B6.2 How do sexual and asexual reproduction affect evolution? Exam Questions
Free OCR GCSE Biology B exam questions for B6.2 How do sexual and asexual reproduction affect evolution?, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers sexual and asexual reproduction, meiosis and mitosis, variation, advantages and disadvantages, and effects on the rate of evolution.
B6.2 How do sexual and asexual reproduction affect evolution? exam questions
2 question packs of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About OCR GCSE Biology B B6.2 How do sexual and asexual reproduction affect evolution?
B6.2 compares sexual and asexual reproduction and explains how each affects variation and therefore evolution. You need to describe how sexual reproduction uses meiosis and fertilisation to produce genetically varied offspring, while asexual reproduction uses mitosis to produce clones. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each, and explaining why some organisms, such as many plants, fungi and the malaria parasite, use both, are key skills. The topic builds on meiosis in B1.2 and mitosis in B4.3 and links to natural selection in B6.1. Examiners often ask why variation helps a species survive environmental change.
What you need to know
- Sexual reproduction Involves fusion of male and female gametes produced by meiosis. Offspring inherit a mix of alleles from two parents, so there is genetic variation.
- Asexual reproduction Involves one parent and mitosis only. Offspring are genetically identical clones of the parent. Examples include bacteria by binary fission, strawberry runners, potato tubers and yeast budding.
- Advantages of sexual reproduction Variation means some individuals may survive a change in the environment or a new disease, so natural selection can act. Selective breeding also depends on it.
- Advantages of asexual reproduction Only one parent is needed, it is faster and uses less energy, and many identical, well adapted offspring can be produced when conditions are good.
- Organisms using both The malaria parasite reproduces asexually in human hosts and sexually in mosquitoes. Many fungi and plants reproduce asexually by spores or runners and sexually by gametes or seeds.
- Effect on evolution Sexual reproduction increases variation and allows evolution to happen faster in changing environments. Asexual populations can only gain variation through mutation, though very rapid reproduction in bacteria means mutations can spread quickly.
Common mistakes in B6.2 How do sexual and asexual reproduction affect evolution?
- Saying asexual offspring show no variation at all. They are identical genetically unless a mutation occurs, and environment can still cause differences.
- Stating that sexual reproduction is always better. Each method has advantages depending on conditions.
- Writing that mitosis is used to make gametes. Gametes are made by meiosis.
- Saying bacteria cannot evolve because they reproduce asexually. Mutations and rapid reproduction let bacteria evolve quickly, as with antibiotic resistance.
- Forgetting to link variation to survival. Explain that variation makes it more likely some individuals survive a change.
Try three B6.2 How do sexual and asexual reproduction affect evolution? exam-style questions
1. Name the type of cell division used in asexual reproduction. (1 mark)
Show the mark scheme answer
Mitosis.
2. A bacterium divides every 30 minutes. Starting with one cell, how many cells are there after 3 hours? (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
3 hours = 6 divisions; 2^6 = 64 cells.
3. Explain why a population produced by sexual reproduction is more likely to survive a new disease than one produced by asexual reproduction. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Sexual reproduction produces genetic variation; some individuals may have alleles that give resistance; these survive and reproduce, whereas genetically identical clones are all likely to be susceptible.
B6.2 How do sexual and asexual reproduction affect evolution? FAQs
What does OCR GCSE Biology B B6.2 cover?
It covers sexual and asexual reproduction, their advantages and disadvantages, organisms that use both methods and how reproduction affects variation and evolution.
Which paper is B6.2 examined in?
J257 has two papers at each tier, Breadth in Biology and Depth in Biology, and content from any chapter, including B6, can be assessed on either one. Expect it to be linked to ideas about science and to other chapters.
Which examples should I learn for B6.2?
Learn the malaria parasite, fungi, strawberries or potatoes, and bacteria, and be ready to explain why using both types of reproduction can be an advantage.
