The advantage of having a gender can be explained in terms of genetic diversity and evolution. The advantage of an organism having a sex and reproducing by sex (sexual reproduction) is that it provides its offspring with a diverse combination of genes, making it easier to adapt to its environment.
1. increased genetic diversity
With sex, individuals with different genes crossbreed with each other, so the genes of the offspring are a mixed combination of the genes of both parents. This increases genetic diversity within the population, making it easier to produce offspring that can adapt to different environments. This diversity is an important factor in resistance to disease and environmental change.
2. elimination of harmful mutations
In sexual reproduction, genes are reorganized and harmful recessive mutations are more likely to be isolated in the population. For example, if a recessive harmful gene is inherited from both parents, it will not show up in the offspring unless both parents carry the same mutation. Even if the harmful gene is present in one parent, it is compensated for by a healthy gene from the other parent, making it less likely to occur in the offspring.
3. increased adaptability
If a particular trait is advantageous for survival or reproduction, having a sex makes it easier for that trait to spread to the next generation through genetic modification. When the environment changes, populations with more genetic combinations are more likely to be flexible in response to change because they have a variety of adaptive options.
4. genetic benefits of partner selection
Gender makes it possible to select mating partners. Many animals choose mates for specific traits (strength, health, attractiveness, etc.), making it easier for genes that are healthier and more adaptable to the environment to spread within the population. This mechanism, called “sexual selection,” plays an important role in the evolutionary process.
Conclusion
Having a gender helps ensure genetic diversity, facilitates the removal of harmful mutations, and enhances adaptability to the environment. These benefits are believed to be the reason why sexual reproduction with sex has been maintained in many organisms.
