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Which of the following is most likely to occur during sexual reproduction?

A) Fewer adaptations within a population
B) Many identical offspring
C) Variation in the offspring
D) Many identical genes

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Sexual reproduction leads to variation in offspring due to the recombination of genetic material from two parents, increasing the potential for evolutionary adaptation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question posed addresses the outcomes of sexual reproduction. During sexual reproduction, the most likely scenario is C) Variation in the offspring. This variation arises because sexual reproduction involves the mixing of genetic material from two parents, leading to offspring with diverse genetic combinations. The recombination of DNA during meiosis, which includes processes such as crossovers during prophase I and random assortment at metaphase I, introduces genetic diversity. This diversity is a key factor in the adaptability and evolution of populations, as it may increase the chances of survival in changing environments. The continual reshuffling of genes ensures that sexual reproduction provides a mechanism for evolution and adaptation beyond what mutation alone can offer in asexual organisms.

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