Passage: 'The evolutionary persistence of sexual reproduction remains one of biology's most enduring enigmas. Asexual reproduction is mathematically twice as efficient: an asexual female transmits 100% of her genome to every offspring without requiring male fertilization. The Red Queen hypothesis resolves this paradox by framing sexual reproduction as an essential defense against co-evolving parasites. By continually reshuffling host genetic combinations, sexual recombination creates novel immunological targets, preventing rapidly mutating pathogens from sweeping through host populations.'
According to the Red Queen hypothesis, what key evolutionary advantage does sexual reproduction confer?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. It generates dynamic genetic diversity that hinders parasitic adaptation
- Step 1: Locate the discussion of the Red Queen hypothesis in the passage: it proposes that sexual reproduction is maintained as an evolutionary defense against co-evolving parasites.
- Step 2: Identify the specific biological mechanism cited: sexual recombination continually reshuffles genetic combinations to produce novel immunological targets.
- Step 3: Consequently, the primary evolutionary advantage is generating dynamic genetic diversity that hinders parasitic adaptation.
Answer
It generates dynamic genetic diversity that hinders parasitic adaptation.
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