Reproduction is one of the most important characteristics of living beings. Give three reasons in support of the statement.
Reproduction is one of the most important characteristics of living beings. Give three reasons in support of the statement.
Reproduction is considered one of the most important characteristics of living beings due to the following three reasons:
- Continuity of Life and Species: Reproduction ensures the survival and continuity of a species over generations. Since every individual organism has a limited lifespan and eventually dies, the species would become extinct if its members did not reproduce.
- Stability of Populations: Populations of organisms occupy specific ecological niches. Reproduction maintains the consistency of body designs and replaces dead individuals, thereby ensuring the stability of the population within its ecosystem.
- Source of Variation and Evolution: During reproduction (especially through DNA copying and sexual fusion), variations are introduced. These variations are crucial for the adaptation of species to changing environmental conditions (like temperature fluctuations or water level changes), ensuring their long-term survival and driving the process of evolution.
Marking Scheme
- 11 mark
- 21 mark
- 31 mark
Hint
Think about what would happen to a species if all its members stopped reproducing, how populations stay stable in their niches, and where variations come from.
Quick Oral Answer
Reproduction is not necessary to keep an individual alive, unlike nutrition or respiration. However, it is essential for the survival of the species as a whole, ensuring that life continues on Earth and allowing populations to adapt through variations.
Analysis & Explanation
While essential life processes like nutrition, respiration, and excretion are necessary to maintain the life of an individual organism, reproduction is not. However, reproduction is vital at the species level. Without it, the population of a species cannot be sustained, and the species would eventually vanish. Furthermore, the subtle errors during DNA copying introduce variations, which are the raw material for natural selection and evolution.
Common Mistakes
- 1Confusing reproduction with essential life processes like nutrition or respiration which are necessary for individual survival.
- 2Failing to mention the role of variation in the survival of species over time.
Interesting Facts
Reproduction is the only life process that is not essential for the survival of an individual organism, yet it is the most energy-consuming process for many species.
Spotted a mistake or something unclear?
Tell us — we fix reported answers fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2017?
This question carries 3 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2017 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "How do Organisms Reproduce?" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Importance of Reproduction" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2017 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2017 paper.