A biological parent is an individual who contributes genetic material to a child, typically through reproduction. This includes both the mother, who provides the egg, and the father, who provides the sperm. The genetic information from both parents combines to create a unique individual, influencing traits such as appearance and health. Biological parents are often involved in the child's upbringing, but their role can vary. Some may raise the child together, while others may not be present in the child's life. In cases of adoption, the adoptive parents take on the parental role, even though they are not the biological parents.