Question

Why are the chances of an offspring being male or female always 50:50?

• A. The movement of sperm is random.
• B. Equal number of X and Y bearing sperms are released.
• C. The egg has no particular affinity towards a X bearing sperm or a Y bearing sperm
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The correct options are
A

The movement of sperm is random.

B

Equal number of X and Y bearing sperms are released.

C

The egg has no particular affinity towards a X bearing sperm or a Y bearing sperm

The chances of an offspring being male or female is 50:50 due to several factors.
1. The movement of sperm is always random
2. The number of sperm carrying X and Y chromosome respectively is almost equal. Thus, both types of sperm have equal chances of fertilizing the egg.
3. The egg has no special affinity for either of the two sperm types (X chromosome bearing and Y chromosome bearing)

All these factors together allow the 50:50 ratio between males and females.