In what way does asexual reproduction affect genetic variation in a population?

Asexual reproduction primarily involves a single organism reproducing without the fusion of gametes, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. This mode of reproduction contributes to a reduction in genetic variation within a population. Since all offspring are clones of the parent, there is little to no genetic recombination, which is the primary source of variation in sexually reproducing populations.

As a consequence, asexual reproduction can make populations more susceptible to disease and environmental changes. If the parent organism has a vulnerability, all the clones share that same vulnerability, which can lead to significant challenges for survival if conditions change unfavorably. Thus, the outcome of asexual reproduction is characterized by a homogeneity in genetic makeup, as opposed to the diversity seen in sexually reproduced offspring, which arise from the combination of genetic material from two parents.