In the late 1990s, the snail studied in Lively 1987, Potamopyrgus antipodarum, was reported as an invasive species in the U.S. Since then, its population has exploded in freshwater streams and lakes. Interestingly, all snails collected during its 30 years in the U.S. have been identified as asexual. Researchers hypothesize that this, along with one other characteristic of the environment, has allowed the snail to expand across the country.
How does asexuality permit rapid population expansion, when compared to other forms of reproduction? Briefly explain (1-3 sentences).