A mother cat is a calico, with orange, black, and white fur. She has three kittens—an orange female, a black and orange female, and a black female. Did she reproduce sexually or asexually? Choose the option that has the best evidence to support your choice.

Question

Responses

Asexually, because all of her kittens are females like her, which occurs with asexual reproduction
Asexually, because all of her kittens are females like her, which occurs with asexual reproduction

Asexually, because all of her kittens have the same colors as her, because they only inherited her genes
Asexually, because all of her kittens have the same colors as her, because they only inherited her genes

Sexually, because cats are multicellular, and multicellular organisms typically reproduce sexually.
Sexually, because cats are multicellular, and multicellular organisms typically reproduce sexually.

Sexually, because each kitten looks different than the mother, which is a sign of genetic variation due to sexual reproduction

Answer 1

The best evidence to support the choice is:

Sexually, because each kitten looks different than the mother, which is a sign of genetic variation due to sexual reproduction.

This option correctly points out that the variation in appearance among the kittens, as well as their differing colors and patterns, indicates genetic diversity that arises from sexual reproduction rather than asexual reproduction, where offspring would typically be genetic clones of the parent.