Question

Which statement describes why offspring produced by sexual reproduction are genetically different from their parents?

A. Offspring inherit chromosomes randomly from only one parent, so they are different from the other parent.
B. Offspring receive chromosomes from two parents, so they have more chromosomes than either parent.
C. Offspring receive most of their genetic variation as a result of mutations that occur during meiosis.
D. Offspring are formed by a combination of gametes from two parents, with variations in the chromosomes of each gamete.

Answer 1

D.Offspring are formed by a combination of gametes from two parents, with variations in the chromosomes of each gamete.

Explanation:

• Offspring are formed by a combination of gametes from two parents, with variations in the chromosomes of each gamete.

• Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes, which are specialized reproductive cells. In most animals, the male gamete is the sperm, and the female gamete is the egg or ovum. Each gamete contains a unique set of chromosomes that carries genetic information.

• When gametes are formed through a process called meiosis, the chromosomes in the parent cells undergo recombination. This recombination involves the shuffling and exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, leading to the creation of new combinations of genetic information. As a result, the gametes produced by each parent have variations in their chromosomes.

• During fertilization, a sperm and an egg fuse to form a zygote. The zygote then develops into an offspring. Since the sperm and egg each contribute a unique set of chromosomes with variations, the offspring inherits a combination of genetic material from both parents. This combination leads to genetic differences between the offspring and their parents.

Answer 2

D. Offspring are formed by a combination of gametes from two parents, with variations in the chromosomes of each gamete.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes from two parents to create a genetically unique offspring. Each parent contributes one set of chromosomes to the offspring, which results in the offspring having a combination of traits from both parents. Additionally, the process of meiosis, which produces the gametes, results in genetic variation through the recombination of genetic material and the random distribution of chromosomes. Mutations can also contribute to genetic variation, but they are not the primary reason why offspring produced by sexual reproduction are genetically different from their parents.