Final answer:
The correct answer is b) haploid; haploid; diploid, as meiosis produces haploid cells which upon fertilization form a diploid zygote.
Step-by-step explanation:
In sexual reproduction, meiosis produces haploid cells from one parent that join with haploid cells from the other parent to form a diploid zygote. The correct answer to the student's question is b. haploid; haploid; diploid. During sexual reproduction, meiosis results in the production of haploid gametes which carry half the number of chromosomes. When these haploid gametes, such as sperm and eggs in animals, merge during the process of fertilization, a diploid zygote is formed.
This zygote has a full set of chromosomes, half contributed by each parent, leading to a genetically unique offspring. In sexual reproduction, meiosis produces haploid cells from one parent that join with diploid cells from the other parent to form a diploid zygote.