This, the theory goes, would bolster variety in an individual's offspring above and beyond the variation already provided by sexual reproduction.

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Working out where on the hybrid's chromosomes the genes for apomixis are located was much trickier, because the traditional method of tracking genes down relies on watching them being swapped around during sexual reproduction.

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In particular the group is concerned that children will not be taught about sexual reproduction and puberty early enough - and that some will already be experiencing changes in their bodies before they have been taught about them.

BBC: Curriculum plan 'waters down sex education' experts warn

When embarking on the original, Knopf, thinking the book was about sexual reproduction, assigned the translation to a retired professor of Zoology, Howard Madison Parshley, who possessed no more than college-level French and much less in the way of philosophy.

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The group adds that the draft curriculum does not mention reproduction again until the end of primary school when the guidance for teaching 10 and 11-year-olds says "they should find out about different types of reproduction, including sexual and asexual reproduction in plants, and sexual reproduction in animals".

BBC: Curriculum plan 'waters down sex education' experts warn

And in secondary schools, too much emphasis is placed on the "mechanics" of reproduction rather than the importance of healthy sexual relationships.

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