Final answer:
Simplification of genetic inheritance explains the use of only one pair of chromosomes in a modeling activity, which helps in understanding the genetics fundamentals without too much complexity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to why only a single pair of chromosomes is used in a modeling activity. The best answer here would be b) Simplification of genetic inheritance. One pair of chromosomes is often used in models to make the concept of genetic inheritance easier to understand. In reality, humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, but using just one pair in a model can clearly demonstrate how traits are inherited without the complexity of multiple pairs. Furthermore, it allows educators and students to focus on the fundamental principles of genetics, such as dominant and recessive traits, sexual reproduction, and chromosome assortment.
Mature gametes, such as sperm and egg cells, carry only one set of chromosomes because of a process called meiosis. During meiosis, the chromosome number is halved to ensure that when fertilization occurs, the resulting offspring has the correct number of chromosomes. This reduction also facilitates genetic variation among offspring.
In summary, the use of a single pair of chromosomes in education simplifies the complex process of inheritance, adequately representing the process without overwhelming students with the full complexity of the human genome.