Here is the matching of the situations with the appropriate method of reproduction:
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The environment becomes unfavorable quickly - a. asexual (Asexual reproduction allows for rapid population increase when conditions are favorable, but if the environment changes quickly, organisms can reproduce quickly in large numbers to potentially survive)
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Speed of reproduction is necessary - a. asexual (Asexual reproduction typically occurs faster than sexual reproduction, allowing for quick population growth)
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Contact with other members of a species is rare - a. asexual (In situations where individuals do not frequently meet, asexual reproduction allows for propagation without the need for mates)
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Genetic variation is necessary - b. sexual (Sexual reproduction facilitates genetic variation through recombination and the mixing of genes, which is important for adaptation and evolution)
So the completed matches would be:
- The environment becomes unfavorable quickly - a. asexual
- Speed of reproduction is necessary - a. asexual
- Contact with other members of a species is rare - a. asexual
- Genetic variation is necessary - b. sexual