True or false? In asexual reproduction a disadvantage is that undesirable characteristics are passed on.

True or False Analysis

1. Overview of Asexual Reproduction
   Asexual reproduction is a mode of reproduction where an organism can reproduce without the involvement of gametes (sperm and egg). Common examples include binary fission in bacteria and budding in yeast.

2. Genetic Variation Implications
   A significant feature of asexual reproduction is that offspring are genetically identical to the parent organism. This means that any traits, whether advantageous or disadvantageous, are passed directly to the offspring without variation.

3. Disadvantages of Genetic Uniformity
   When undesirable characteristics exist in a parent organism, these traits will be inherited by all offspring. Since there is no genetic variation, if environmental conditions change, these offspring may lack the necessary adaptations, making them more vulnerable to extinction.

4. Conclusion
   Given that undesirable traits can indeed be passed down in asexual reproduction due to the lack of genetic diversity, the statement is true.

Final Answer

True. In asexual reproduction, a disadvantage is that undesirable characteristics are passed on to offspring.