Which term refers to the genetic transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring?

The correct answer is "Heredity" because it specifically refers to the process by which genetic traits and characteristics are passed from parents to their offspring. This encompasses the principles of genetics, including how traits are inherited through genes located on chromosomes. Heredity is a fundamental concept in biology, as it underpins the study of inheritance patterns, variation in traits, and the continuity of genetic information from one generation to the next.

In contrast, the other terms do not accurately describe this genetic transmission. "Trivial inheritance" is not a recognized term in genetics or biology and does not pertain to the specific process of passing down traits. "Genetic sequencing" refers to the methods used to determine the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule, which is more about analyzing genetic information than transferring it. "Phenotypic expression" describes how genetic information manifests as physical and behavioral traits, but it does not address the process of how those traits are transmitted from one generation to the next. Thus, heredity is the most appropriate and accurate term to describe the genetic transmission of characteristics.