Fertilization performs two functions. What are these?

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Fertilization**: Fertilization is the process where male gametes (sperms) unite with female gametes (ova or eggs) to form a zygote. This is a crucial step in sexual reproduction.

2. **Restoration of Diploidy**: The first function of fertilization is to restore the diploid condition. Gametes are haploid (having one set of chromosomes, denoted as N). When a sperm fertilizes an egg, the resulting zygote has a diploid number of chromosomes (denoted as 2N). This restoration of diploidy is essential for maintaining the chromosome number across generations.

3. **Introduction of Genetic Variation**: The second function of fertilization is to introduce genetic variation. During fertilization, the genetic material from two different parents combines. This mixing of genetic traits leads to variations in the offspring. These variations are important for evolution, as they contribute to the diversity of traits within a population.

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