The correct answer is d) inheritance. Inheritance refers specifically to the process through which genetic information — primarily found in DNA — is passed from parents to their offspring. This transmission of DNA ensures that offspring inherit traits and characteristics from their parents, which is fundamental to the biological understanding of how species maintain their lineage over generations.
Reproduction, while closely related, encompasses a broader range of processes by which organisms produce new individuals. Development, on the other hand, pertains to the growth and differentiation of an organism, and homeostasis involves maintaining stable internal conditions. Therefore, when we specifically talk about the transmission of DNA to the next generation, we are referring to inheritance.