In sexual reproduction, what is produced?

In sexual reproduction, the process involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, which leads to the formation of offspring that have a unique combination of genes. This results in an organism that differs from both parents in various traits, such as physical characteristics and genetic makeup. The mixing of genes creates genetic diversity, which is essential for evolution and adaptation within a population.

This distinction is fundamental to understanding sexual reproduction compared to asexual reproduction, where offspring (such as clones) are genetically identical to a single parent. In sexual reproduction, the offspring inherit alleles from both parents, contributing to a wide range of potential traits. This variation is beneficial for the survival of a species, as it enhances genetic variability which can be advantageous in changing environments.