Which of the following statements is true regarding sexual reproduction in organisms?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which statement correctly describes sexual reproduction. Check each option against what you know about how sexual reproduction works.

Step 2: Key concept Sexual reproduction has these features:

• Two parents are usually involved (male and female), although some organisms, like earthworms, are hermaphrodites.
• Specialized sex cells called gametes are produced, usually by meiosis.
• Gametes fuse in fertilization to form a zygote, which develops into the new organism.
• Because genetic material from two parents is combined and shuffled, offspring show genetic variation.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Fusion of gametes from two parents, giving genetic variation. This is correct. It matches all the key features.
• B. Single parent, genetically identical offspring. This describes asexual reproduction (for example, binary fission in bacteria or budding in yeast).
• C. A form of asexual reproduction without gametes. This is wrong because sexual reproduction is not asexual, and it does involve gametes.
• D. No gametes or fusion of reproductive cells. This is the opposite of sexual reproduction, since gamete formation and fusion are its defining features.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A.

Tip: Remember "Sexual = Seeds of variety." Sexual reproduction means gametes, fertilization, and variation. Asexual reproduction means one parent, no gametes, and clones. If an option mixes the two up, as B, C, and D do, eliminate it.