What is the production of offspring from two parents, with genetic information from each, called?

• A. Asexual reproduction
• B. Sexual reproduction
• C. Cloning
• D. Budding

Answer: (B)

Producing offspring from two parents with genetic information from each is sexual reproduction. In this process, gametes—sperm and egg—each carry half the chromosomes, and their union during fertilization creates a zygote with a new combination of genes from both parents. This mixing of genetic material leads to offspring that are genetically diverse, which helps populations adapt to changing environments. This differs from asexual reproduction, where a single organism passes on its genes without joining with another, producing genetically identical or very similar offspring. Cloning and budding are examples of asexual reproduction, so they don’t involve the genetic contribution from two parents.