In this deck, we'll explore reproduction, the process by which organisms create offspring. We'll look at the two main types, asexual and sexual reproduction. We will also dive into meiosis, the special type of cell division that produces sex cells, and compare it to mitosis. Finally, we'll weigh up the pros and cons of each reproductive strategy.

Let's start with asexual reproduction. This is the simplest form of reproduction, involving only one parent. Because there's only one parent, the offspring are genetically identical to it, and to each other. They are essentially clones. This method is common in simple organisms like bacteria, but also in some plants, like strawberry plants sending out runners.

Now for sexual reproduction. This process typically involves two parents. Each parent produces special sex cells called gametes. In animals, the male gamete is the sperm and the female gamete is the egg. These two gametes fuse together in a process called fertilisation. The resulting offspring inherits a mixture of genetic information from both parents, leading to genetic variation.