PALABRICA, Flora Anne R.

2012 - 24581 Reaction Paper: Understanding Sex

10 July 2013 Biology 1

The question posed at the beginning of the film was, Why did sex have to evolve? Sex as our method of reproduction is quite the biological paradox considering it is a lot simpler and easier to reproduce from a singular organism. These methods of reproduction, called asexual reproduction, include mitosis, fragmentation and spores. However, asexual reproduction, with its benefit of efficiency, is not without its drawbacks as well. The genetic profile of the mother organism is identical to the genetic profile of all her children. This means that an organisms parent and its siblings all share absolutely identical DNA. Although this method reduces the need of the male sex, it greatly reduces the organisms chances of surviving evolution. If the entire species are all comprised of the same genetic information, it means that they can all be wiped out or rendered extinct from the same cause. It is a fact of evolution that creatures with two sexes are more successful when it comes to survival. At the base of it, sex is necessary for evolution. And evolution is necessary for survival. Organisms need to learn to adapt to change, and the only way for them to do this is through sex. In the early ages of evolution, some single-celled bacteria decided to exchange genes and changed the world. Sex is a major, driving force in our lives. It is the reason behind our ability to improve and adapt, and it is the key to our survival as a human race. Some of the issues tackled in the film that I found fascinating is the idea that human beings are not genetically or biologically programmed to mate for life. The rising statistics for divorce in the USA was cited as supporting evidence for this theory wherein it was said that around half of marriages end by their fourth year because of extramarital affairs. Some of the blame can perhaps be put on the

difference between how males and females pursue sex. Males supposedly want it all the time, while females only want it at intermittent intervals. It is this disparity that causes friction in the couples sex life. Sex, in my opinion, albeit an important factor in a marriage, is not the only factor. And although problems in the bedroom can be a contributing factor to the dissolution of a marriage, I dont believe that the blame can be entirely laid at its door. However, as species with the main objective of furthering the reach and scope of our race, I do think that mating for life defeats this purpose. Biologically speaking, it is in our races best interest to ensure that we mix our DNA with as many different people as possible to ensure the greatest possible genetic variation. Through watching this film I have gained a greater understanding and appreciation of how exactly sex has affected our evolution. It has also opened up my mind to questions regarding the human capacity for commitment.