Genetic Diversity as a Key Advantage

Steps:

• Recall that asexual reproduction involves one parent and produces identical clones, limiting variation.
• Understand sexual reproduction involves two parents, combining genetic material for unique offspring.
• Compare advantages: focus on long-term benefits like adaptation over short-term speed.
• Evaluate choices: identify which highlights diversity from genetic recombination.

Why C is correct:

• Sexual reproduction creates offspring with different characteristics through genetic recombination, increasing diversity and adaptability per the principles of Mendelian genetics.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Both reproduction types allow species growth; this is not unique to sexual.
• B: Asexual reproduction produces offspring more quickly, as it skips mating and gamete formation.
• D: Embryonic protection occurs in some sexual reproducers but is not a defining advantage over asexual methods like budding.

Final answer: C