Which type of reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents?

The correct answer is sexual reproduction. This type of reproduction is characterized by the combination of genetic material from two distinct parents, leading to offspring that possess a mix of traits from both. This genetic variation is a fundamental aspect of sexual reproduction and contributes to the evolutionary resilience and adaptability of a species. In contrast to asexual reproduction, where an organism can reproduce independently without the genetic contribution of another, sexual reproduction involves processes such as fertilization, where male and female gametes unite to form a zygote.

Vegetative propagation and clone propagation refer to asexual methods of reproduction, where new plants grow from parts of existing ones, leading to offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. This does not involve the mixing of genetic material, which is why these methods do not fit the criteria for the type of reproduction in question.