Which term refers to the parents who contribute to an offspring's genetic makeup?

Biological parents are the individuals who contribute their genetic material to an offspring, shaping their physical and genetic characteristics. This is foundational in understanding family structures and relationships, as biological parents share a direct genetic connection with their children. The emphasis on "genetic makeup" indicates that these parents are responsible for passing down traits, both physical and genetic, to their offspring.

In contrast, adoptive parents do not share a genetic connection with the children they raise but instead become the legal guardians and influencers in their lives. Foster parents provide temporary care and support to children usually due to family difficulties but also do not have a biological connection to them. Step parents may have a nurturing role in a child's life when they marry one of the biological parents, yet they do not contribute genetically. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when discussing family dynamics within the context of Community and Family Studies.