Which of the following statements is true regarding sexual reproduction?

The statement about sexual reproduction being true is that it occurs in many species, including plants and animals. Sexual reproduction is a biological process that allows for the combination of genetic material from two parent organisms, leading to offspring that have a mix of their parents' traits. This is evident in diverse kingdoms of life, where numerous plant and animal species utilize sexual reproduction as a means of propagating their species.

The prevalence of sexual reproduction across various taxa allows for greater genetic diversity within populations, which can enhance adaptability and survival in changing environments. This aspect is significant in evolutionary biology, as it plays a crucial role in the resilience of species over time.

The other statements presented do not accurately describe sexual reproduction. For instance, the process typically results in higher, not lower, genetic variation due to the mixing of genes from two parents. Moreover, sexual reproduction is not always more efficient than asexual reproduction; the latter can be faster and requires only one parent organism, leading to rapid population growth in certain conditions. Therefore, the statement regarding its occurrence across a wide array of species is the only one that accurately reflects the nature of sexual reproduction.