3. most animals and plants reproduce sexually. this means that dna is passed down to new organisms from two parental organisms
which of the following is a key advantage of sexual reproduction?
a. increased genetic diversity for changing environments
b. the creation of new genes to improve survival
c. the receipt of the strongest genes from both parents for survival
d. the elimination of genetic mutations from a parent organism

The correct option is A.

Explanation:

There are two basic types of reproduction, they are asexual and sexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction involves the division of a mature organism into two different organisms through binary fission or other forms of asexual reproduction. In this case the offspring is similar both physically and genetically to the parent organism. There is no genetic diversity in this case and the same disease can easily wipe out the entire population of the organism.

Sexual reproduction on the other hand requires two different organisms. During the reproductive process the genetic materials from the two organisms get mixed up thoroughly, so they end up giving birth to offspring that are quite different from them genetically.

The diversity in genetics makes it possible for the offspring to cope with changing environmental conditions. Because, the offspring are diverse in constitution, some offspring will always be able to survive harsh environmental conditions due to their genetic make up.  

The Option A is correct i.e.

Sexual organisms increases genetic diversity for changing environments

Explanation:

Reproduction is the biological process by which new organisms are produced from their parents.  

In asexual reproduction, an organism can reproduce without the involvement of another organism. By asexual reproduction, an organism creates a genetically similar or identical copy of itself.  

Sexual reproduction typically requires the sexual interaction of two specialized organisms, called gametes, which contain half the number of chromosomes of normal cells and are created by meiosis, with typically a male fertilizing a female of the same species to create a fertilized zygote. This produces offspring organisms whose genetic characteristics are derived from those of the two parental organisms.

The diversity in genetics makes it possible for the offspring to cope with changing environmental conditions. Because, the offspring are diverse in constitution, some offspring will always be able to survive harsh environmental conditions due to their genetic make up.  

fertilization, pictured in figure 24.23a is the process in which gametes (an egg and sperm) fuse to form a zygote. the egg and sperm each contain one set of chromosomes. to ensure that the offspring has only one complete diploid set of chromosomes, only one sperm must fuse with one egg. in mammals, the egg is protected by a layer of extracellular matrix consisting mainly of glycoproteins called the zona pellucida. when a sperm binds to the zona pellucida, a series of biochemical events, called the acrosomal reactions, take place. in placental mammals, the acrosome contains digestive enzymes that initiate the degradation of the glycoprotein matrix protecting the egg and allowing the sperm plasma membrane to fuse with the egg plasma membrane, as illustrated in figure 24.23b. the fusion of these two membranes creates an opening through which the sperm nucleus is transferred into the ovum. the nuclear membranes of the egg and sperm break down and the two haploid genomes condense to form a diploid genome.

explanation:

ya the other dude is right