Eukaryotes and Sexual Reproduction

CRC Press eBooks 2026 Book chapter

View at publisher
Authors: Gary M. Wessel, Julian L. Wong, Carmen J. Williams, Mark A. Johnson, Harvey M. Florman
DOI: 10.1201/9781003148401-1
Cited by: 0

Abstract

A successful species is a fit species – with fitness defined, in evolutionary terms, as the ability to produce reproductively competent offspring. This places reproduction at the center of biology. Life on Earth uses several methods to produce fertile offspring; sexual reproduction is one strategy so ubiquitous among eukaryotes – and only eukaryotes – that more than 99% of species in this clade at least occasionally use it. What about sexual reproduction is so special and why do Eukarya continue to maintain it?

Fields of Study & Subjects

Evolution and Genetic Dynamics Chromosomal and Genetic Variations Animal Behavior and Reproduction

Publication details

Journal / source
CRC Press eBooks
Pages
1–16
Publication date
11 February 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Book chapter