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 processes involved in reproduction and how genetic information is passed from parents to offspring.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Genetic Transmission**:
- When organisms reproduce, they pass on genetic information to their offspring. This genetic information is carried in the form of DNA, which contains genes that determine various traits.

2. **Role of Meiosis**:
- The process of meiosis is crucial in sexual reproduction. It reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in haploid gametes (sperm and ovum). This reduction is important as it allows for genetic variation when these gametes combine during fertilization.

3. **Formation of Gametes**:
- During meiosis, the genetic material is shuffled through processes like crossing over and independent assortment, which introduces variations. Thus, the gametes produced are not identical to the parent organisms.

4. **Fertilization**:
- When a sperm fertilizes an ovum, a diploid zygote is formed. This zygote contains genetic material from both parents, combining their traits. The zygote will develop into an offspring that has characteristics from both parents.

5. **Resulting Characteristics**:
- The offspring will exhibit both similarities to their parents (due to the inherited genes) and variations (due to the mixing of genetic material from both parents). This means that while some traits may be similar, others may differ due to genetic recombination.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that characters transmitted from parents to offspring during reproduction show **both similarities and variations with parents**.

### Final Answer:
**Both similarities and variations with parents.**

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