Final answer:
c) sex. Dosage compensation offsets the problems associated with differences in the number of sex chromosomes in many species. In humans, this is achieved through a process called X-inactivation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dosage compensation offsets the problems associated with differences in the number of sex chromosomes in many species. In humans, dosage compensation is achieved through a process called X-inactivation. During early development, one of the X chromosomes in female cells is randomly inactivated, forming a condensed structure called a Barr body. This ensures that male and female cells have the same effective dosage of X-linked genes. By compensating for the differences in the number of sex chromosomes, dosage compensation helps maintain genetic balance and ensure proper development.