Question

complete the table to indicate whether each statement is true or false.
during sexual reproduction, offspring get half their dna from each parent.
two homologous chromosomes in a somatic cell contain the same genes, but may contain different alleles.
during fertilization, diploid gametes combine to form a haploid zygote.
alleles interact to produce observable traits in an organism.
genetic variation allows populations to adapt to their environment.

Explanation:

1. Sexual reproduction involves fusion of haploid gametes, each carrying half the parent's DNA, so offspring inherit 50% from each parent.
2. Homologous chromosomes pair in somatic cells: they have the same gene loci, but can have different allele variants of those genes.
3. Gametes are haploid (1 set of chromosomes), and fertilization combines two haploid gametes to form a diploid zygote, not the reverse.
4. Alleles are variants of a gene; their combination (dominant/recessive, etc.) determines the observable phenotype (trait) of an organism.
5. Genetic variation creates differences in traits within a population, which natural selection acts on to enable adaptation to environmental changes.

Answer:

Statement	True	False
Two homologous chromosomes in a somatic cell contain the same genes, but may contain different alleles.	✅
During fertilization, diploid gametes combine to form a haploid zygote.		✅
Alleles interact to produce observable traits in an organism.	✅
Genetic variation allows populations to adapt to their environment.	✅