What characterizes sexual reproduction?

Sexual reproduction is characterized by the involvement of both male and female parents, which leads to the combination of their genetic material. This process typically involves the fusion of male gametes (sperm) and female gametes (eggs), resulting in offspring that inherit a mix of traits from both parents. This genetic recombination increases genetic diversity, which is beneficial for adaptation and evolution within populations.

In contrast, options that mention a single parent or genetically identical offspring refer to asexually reproducing organisms, where an individual organism can reproduce without the contribution of another. Cloning techniques, which produce identical copies of an organism, also do not fit the definition of sexual reproduction since they do not involve gametes or genetic recombination. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the necessity of two parents for the process of sexual reproduction.