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What is a correct statement regarding reproduction in living organisms?

  1. Some organisms do not reproduce sexually

  2. All organisms pass on traits through reproduction

  3. Organisms can reproduce asexually without genetic variation

  4. Only animals reproduce to pass on traits

The correct answer is: All organisms pass on traits through reproduction

The statement that all organisms pass on traits through reproduction is correct because reproduction is a fundamental biological process that allows organisms to transfer genetic material from one generation to the next. This passing of traits is essential for the continuity of species and is accomplished through the mechanisms of inheritance, where genes that encode specific traits are inherited by offspring. Every living organism, whether it reproduces sexually or asexually, relies on this process to ensure that genetic information is passed down, allowing for the propagation of species. In sexual reproduction, genetic material is combined from two parents, resulting in offspring that have traits from both. In asexual reproduction, a single organism can produce offspring that are genetically identical to itself, still carrying its traits, albeit without the genetic diversity introduced through sexual reproduction. Other choices discuss aspects of reproduction as well, but they do not encompass the universal nature of trait transmission through reproduction as comprehensively. For example, while it's true that some organisms do not reproduce sexually, this does not negate the overall ability of all organisms to pass on traits through their reproductive strategies. Similarly, while organisms that reproduce asexually typically lack genetic variation in their offspring, they still manage to transmit their traits. The statement regarding only animals reproducing to pass on traits is