Hi. I'm looking for some information into the validity of the theory that
sexual reproduction has evolved as a defence against the actions of parasites.
Since most parasitic invaders reproduce assexually and may have many generations
in the course of the host organisms's life, one would expect that natural
selection would play a more important role in the parasite population.
Therefore, evolution would proceed more quickly in parasite populations. Hence,
the development of sexual reproduction as a means evening the odds.
Its a tempting theory. Does it make sense to anyone else?
John Antonioni
Sudbury, Canada
