A diploid parent produces haploid gametes; thus, a parent that produces an offspring by sexual reproduction shares with that offspring
A) an unpredictable fraction of its alleles.
B) only a random half of its alleles.
C) only the most adaptive half of its alleles.
D) the same half of its alleles as with other offspring.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During sexual reproduction, a diploid parent produces haploid gametes through meiosis, which involves the random assortment of chromosomes. This process ensures that each gamete contains a random half of the parent's alleles, making B the correct choice. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the fraction of alleles shared is predictable (half), not necessarily the most adaptive, and not the same half with every offspring due to the random assortment of chromosomes and potential for genetic recombination.

A Diploid Parent Produces Haploid Gametes; Thus, a Parent That