Sexual Reproduction Leading to Offsprings being Different from Parents

In sexual reproduction, two parents contribute their genes to produce offspring. This results in significant genetic variation in the offspring.
Following the process of meiosis, sex cells or gametes (sperm and egg) are created. Each of these gametes contains half the number of chromosomes compared to the regular body cells. For humans, this is 23 single chromosomes.
During fertilisation, the sperm and egg combine to form a new cell with a complete set of chromosomes–46 for humans. This new cell, or zygote, possesses a unique combination of genes from both parents.
Because every gamete has a different set of genes due to meiosis and random assortment, all the offspring from sexual reproduction are genetically unique. They share characteristics with their parents, but they are not identical to either one.
Genetic variation among offspring is necessary for evolution. The different traits that variation produces may provide an advantage in certain environments. This, in turn, enhances the probability of survival and reproduction for those individuals (this concept is known as “survival of the fittest”). Over time, beneficial traits become more common in a population– a process known as natural selection.
Mutation, the changing of the structure of a gene, is another source of variation. While most mutations are neutral or harmful, some can be beneficial and contribute to the variation in a population.
Sexual reproduction, genetic variation, and mutation are the main drivers of evolution and biodiversity.
The understanding of these processes has been applied in selective breeding, where desired traits are selected for reproduction to produce improved offspring with specific characteristics.
Similar principles apply to genetic engineering and other biotechnologies, offering opportunities to customise organisms for particular uses. However, these processes also come with ethical considerations and potential risks, such as the inadvertent creation of harmful organisms or traits.