Characters that are transmitted from parents to offspring during reproduction show

Options

A. only similarities with parents
B. only variations with parents
C. both similarities and variations with parents
D. neither similarities nor variations

Explanation

To answer the question "Characters that are transmitted from parents to offspring during reproduction show:", we need to analyze the nature of reproduction and the genetic material involved. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Reproduction**:
- Reproduction is the biological process through which new individual organisms are produced. It can occur through two main methods: asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction.

2. **Asexual Reproduction**:
- In asexual reproduction, only one parent is involved. The offspring (progeny) are produced from the genetic material of that single parent.
- Since the genetic material is identical, the progeny will exhibit similarities to the parent.

3. **Sexual Reproduction**:
- In sexual reproduction, two parents contribute genetic material through the fusion of male and female gametes.
- This process results in offspring that inherit a combination of genes from both parents, leading to both similarities and variations.

4. **Genetic Material Transmission**:
- The genetic material (DNA) carries genes, which are responsible for the traits and characteristics of the organism.
- During reproduction, these genes are passed from the parents to the offspring, ensuring that some characteristics are similar.

5. **Variations in Offspring**:
- Even though the offspring inherit genetic material from their parents, variations can occur due to several factors, including mutations, environmental influences, and the mixing of genes from both parents during sexual reproduction.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, characters transmitted from parents to offspring show both similarities (due to the inheritance of genetic material) and variations (due to the mixing of genetic material and other factors).
- The correct answer to the question is **Option C: both similarity and variation with the parents**.