Question

question 2 of 10
which statement describes how the process shown in the diagram results in new inheritable genetic combinations?
a. fertilization produces new combinations of alleles in offspring as gametes from two individuals combine.
b. crossing over produces new combinations of alleles that are passed to offspring.
c. independent assortment produces random combinations of chromosomes that are passed to offspring.
d. conjugation allows for the transfer of genes into new cells.

Explanation:

The diagram shows egg and sperm (gametes) combining to form a zygote. Fertilization (gamete fusion) mixes alleles from two parents. Option B (crossing - over) occurs during meiosis (not shown here). Option C (independent assortment) is also a meiosis event. Option D (conjugation) is in bacteria (not relevant to this diagram of sexual reproduction in eukaryotes). So, the process in the diagram (gamete combination - fertilization) is described by option A.

Answer:

A. Fertilization produces new combinations of alleles in offspring as gametes from two individuals combine.