Final answer:
Strawberry plants that grow from runners are more similar to each other because runners form through a type of asexual reproduction that results in genetic clones of the parent plant. Conversely, seeds, which are produced by sexual reproduction, involve genetic recombination leading to significantly more diverse offspring.
Step-by-step explanation:
Strawberry plants reproduce in two distinct ways: through seeds and runners. When a plant reproduces through runners, it is a type of asexual reproduction known as vegetative propagation. The plant sends out runners, which are essentially extensions of the plant's stem, and these runners develop into individual plants that are genetic clones of the parent plant. These clones share the exact same genetic material as the parent plant, and hence are very similar.
On the other hand, seeds are produced by sexual reproduction, involving the fusion of male and female gametes. Seed-development allows for genetic recombination and variation, resulting in plants that are genetically different from the parent plant and from each other. This genetic variation makes the offspring from seeds more diverse as compared to those from runners.
Learn more about Plant Reproduction