Fertilization produces a zygote that is haploid or diploid.

Fertilization produces a zygote that is haploid or diploid.

• A. Haploid
• B. Triploid
• C. Polyploid
• D. Diploid

Answer: (D)

Fertilization involves two gametes, each with one complete set of chromosomes. When these haploid sets fuse, the zygote ends up with two sets, making it diploid. This two-set state combines genetic material from both parents and is the normal outcome of sexual reproduction. A zygote with a single set would be haploid and is not produced by typical fertilization; zygotes with three or more sets arise only from unusual events like polyspermy or genome duplication, not standard fertilization.

Fertilization involves two gametes, each with one complete set of chromosomes. When these haploid sets fuse, the zygote ends up with two sets, making it diploid. This two-set state combines genetic material from both parents and is the normal outcome of sexual reproduction. A zygote with a single set would be haploid and is not produced by typical fertilization; zygotes with three or more sets arise only from unusual events like polyspermy or genome duplication, not standard fertilization.