Question

How does reproduction help in providing stability to populations of species?

Answer 1

Hint: Reproduction is a natural process which is important to maintain balance among various species in the ecosystem. It ensures this stability in the food chain and food web, therefore, maintain a balance in nature. Balance among the various food webs is the basis of energy flow in the ecosystem.

Complete answer: Organisms reproduces by two methods of reproduction namely: asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction.
a) Asexual reproduction: The type of reproduction in which only a single parent is involved and no fertilization takes place is called asexual reproduction. In this type of reproduction gametes or sex cells are not involved.
b) Sexual reproduction: It is the type of reproduction in which gametes or sex cells from two different parents fuse together to form an offspring. The act of fusion of gametes to form a zygote is called sexual reproduction.
Reproduction is a mechanism which ensures the survival of a species. A sudden increase or decrease in the number of species of a particular organism can result in a disruption in the ecosystem and food chain, which can further impact the survivability of that species as well as survivability of other dependent species.

Additional information: In asexual reproduction, the offsprings are identical to the parent. Following are the types of asexual reproduction:
i. Fission
ii. Fragmentation
iii. Budding
iv. Regeneration
v. Spore formation

Note: In the sexual mode of reproduction, the survivability of species is ensured by induction of variations at the genetic level. Sexually produced offspring have attributes of both the parents. Such offsprings adapt better to the changing environment.