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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 15 marks · about 17 minutes

Sexual and Asexual Reproduction Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions test your ability to compare the two main types of reproduction and explain their advantages and disadvantages.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 4 Both 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Compare sexual and asexual reproduction by stating two advantages of each.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Sexual: produces genetic variation: offspring are different from parents and each other.
    2. Sexual: variation allows adaptation to changing environments / natural selection.
    3. Asexual: only one parent needed: can reproduce rapidly.
    4. Asexual: all offspring are genetically identical: successful combinations of genes are preserved.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 2 Both 3 marks Difficulty 2/5

    Define sexual reproduction.

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    1. The fusion of a male gamete with a female gamete.
    2. To form a zygote.
    3. Involves genetic material from two parents: offspring show genetic variation.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Give two examples of asexual reproduction in plants and describe how one of them occurs.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Runner/stolon in strawberry plants: a horizontal stem grows from the parent, forms a new plant at the node.
    2. Tuber formation in potatoes: underground stems swell with stored food, each can grow into a new plant.
    3. Bulb division in onions / daffodils.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    State the type of cell division used in asexual reproduction.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Mitosis.
    2. This produces genetically identical cells / clones.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Explain why sexual reproduction is important for the long-term survival of a species, even though it is slower than asexual reproduction.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Sexual reproduction produces genetic variation among offspring.
    2. If the environment changes (disease, climate), some individuals may have alleles that help them survive.
    3. Without variation, an entire population could be wiped out by a single disease or environmental change.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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