Chapter 8: Heredity and Evolution

Equal genetic contribution of male and female parents is ensured in progeny through the inheritance of equal numbers of chromosomes from both parents. There are 23 pairs of chromosomes, but not all are paired. The 22 pairs are called autosomes, while the remaining 1 pair is called the sex chromosomes (represented as X and Y.)

Females have two sets of X-chromosomes, while males have one X-chromosome and one Y-chromosome.

During the process of reproduction, fertilisation takes place, where the male gamete fuses with the female gamete, and it results in the formation of a diploid zygote. Furthermore, the zygote receives an equal contribution of genetic material from both parents. The male contributes 22 autosomes plus one X or Y chromosome. The female contributes 22 autosomes plus one X-chromosome.

The statement holds true – only variations provide an advantage to individual organisms that will survive in a population. For example, variations that lead to the increase in heat resistance in bacteria are very useful for survival if they find themselves in an environment where there is a sudden increase in ambient temperature. This will determine the difference between life and death for the bacteria.