Maize and rice genomes have diploid chromosome number of 20 and 24, respectively. In the absence of crossing over and mutations, which ONE of the following is CORRECT about the genetic variation among their offspring?

Options

A. maize lt rice
B. maize = rice gt 0
C. maize = rice = 0
D. maize gt rice

Answer

To solve the question regarding genetic variation among the offspring of maize and rice, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Chromosome Numbers
- Maize has a diploid chromosome number of 20.
- Rice has a diploid chromosome number of 24.

### Step 2: Define Genetic Variation
- Genetic variation refers to the differences in DNA sequences among individuals. It can arise from mutations, crossing over during meiosis, and other genetic mechanisms.

### Step 3: Analyze the Absence of Crossing Over and Mutations
- The question specifies that there is an absence of crossing over and mutations. This means that the genetic variation that typically arises from these processes will not occur.

### Step 4: Compare the Chromosome Numbers
- Since maize has a lower diploid chromosome number (20) compared to rice (24), it suggests that there are fewer combinations of alleles in maize than in rice.

### Step 5: Conclude the Genetic Variation
- In the absence of crossing over and mutations, the genetic variation among the offspring will be less in maize compared to rice because there are fewer chromosomes to create genetic diversity.

### Final Conclusion
- Therefore, the correct statement about genetic variation among the offspring is that the genetic variation in maize is less than that in rice.

### Answer
The correct option is that the genetic variation in maize is less than that in rice.

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