Organisms Produce Similar Offsprings


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Organisms Produce Similar Offsprings

Reproduction is one of the fundamental attributes of a living organism, through which it is able to produce more of its own kind. Through this process, new individuals are produced, that grow and reproduce again, thus increasing the population of a species. How do we ascertain whether two organisms belong to the same species or not? Consider the example of a common urban crow and a black jungle crow. You may think they belong to the same species because they resemble each other. Actually, however, they belong to two different species because they cannot interbreed.

A species is defined as a group of organisms (plants or animals) that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. Compared to life processes like nutrition, respiration, etc., reproduction may appear to be a waste of energy as it is not essential for the survival of an individual. But it is an important function of a living being as it helps an organism to perpetuate its own kind.

Reproduction is essential for the:   

  • Continuity of life, from the time of its origin (millions of years ago) 
  • Addition of new species 
  • Replacement of dead organisms 
  • Transfer of variation from one generation to another.
  • Organisms produce similar offspring

    Organisms produce similar offspring, but not exact copies of themselves. The offspring have similar body structures and similar genetic blueprints (DNA) in their cells. It is present in the nucleus of a cell in the form of a condensed structure called as chromosome.At the cellular level, reproduction involves first making a copy of its DNA and creating the cellular apparatus for the new cell. Then the nucleus divides and separates the two copies of DNA. Finally, the cytoplasm divides and separates the cellular apparatus. Thus, a cell divides to produce two new similar cells. DNA carries information for making proteins. Any change, or error, in the copying of the DNA sequence will change the structure of the protein formed. This altered protein may change the basic body design. If this protein happens to be an enzyme then the biochemical reaction it catalyzes will also be affected. Errors in the copying of DNA cause variation (change) in the offspring. Due to this tendency for variation, organisms do not create exact copies during reproduction.

    Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    Which of the following are correct ?

    (a) Reproduction is one of the fundamental attributes of a living organism, through which it is able to produce more of its own kind.

    (b) A species is defined as a group of organisms (plants or animals) that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

    (c) Reproduction is essential for the addition of new species .

    Right Option : D
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    Explanation
    Question : 2

    Reproduction is essential for living organisms in order to _____________________________

    Right Option : D
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    It is present in the nucleus of a cell in the form of a condensed structure called as _______________.

    Right Option : A
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    Explanation
     
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