Which of the following explanations has not been proposed as an explanation for the existence of sexual reproduction?
A) Sexual reproduction facilitates repair of damaged DNA.
B) Sexual reproduction promotes the elimination of deleterious mutations.
C) Sexual reproduction accelerates Muller's ratchet.
D) Sexual reproduction creates a great diversity of genetic combinations that allows populations to adapt to the presence of pathogens.
E) None of the above; all of the above explanations have been proposed for the existence of sexual reproduction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sexual reproduction is thought to slow down or prevent the accumulation of deleterious mutations through natural selection. Muller's ratchet is a process where deleterious mutations accumulate in asexual populations, but sexual reproduction allows for recombination of genes and the purging of deleterious mutations.

Which of the Following Explanations Has Not Been Proposed as an Explanation