During meiosis, how much of their parent's genetic material do whiptail lizards inherit?

• A. 100%
• B. 25%
• C. 75%
• D. 50%

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of meiosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells from one diploid cell. This is crucial for sexual reproduction.
2. Recognize the role of meiosis in genetic inheritance: During meiosis, homologous chromosomes are separated, and each gamete receives one chromosome from each pair, resulting in half the genetic material from each parent.
3. Consider the genetic contribution from each parent: In sexual reproduction, offspring inherit 50% of their genetic material from each parent, as each parent contributes one set of chromosomes.
4. Apply this understanding to whiptail lizards: Although whiptail lizards reproduce asexually through parthenogenesis, the question is about the general process of meiosis, which typically results in offspring inheriting 50% of their genetic material from each parent.
5. Conclude with the correct answer: Based on the process of meiosis, offspring inherit 50% of their genetic material from each parent, which is the correct answer to the problem.