Final answer:
The transmission of heritable information and the increase of genetic diversity are achieved through the cell cycle, mitosis or meiosis, crossing-over, fertilization, mutations, and sexual reproduction, which combine genetic materials from two parents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The processes involved in the transmission of heritable information from generation to generation and that contribute to genetic diversity include the cell cycle, and mitosis or meiosis plus fertilization. In sexually reproducing organisms, meiosis allows for crossing-over events and independent assortment, which generates genetic variation in offspring. Further diversity is achieved through the combination of genetic information from two different parents during sexual reproduction. Mutations can also introduce new genetic traits into a population. Consequently, the correct options from the list provided are:
- A. Selective breeding
- B. Horizontal gene transfer
- C. Epigenetics
- D. Natural selection