How does only half of the genetic material of the parent get transmitted to the child?

By meiosis

Explanation:

By the process of meiosis, the diploid (2n) chromosome are halved into haploid chromosomes (1n) and The zygote receives only one of the male and female gamete (1n) to become a diploid (2n) zygote.

the oldest known insects are believed to live around 400 millions ago as suggested by the fossil records.   some plants having woody stems also evolved during this time.

after the evolution of insects the first four legged species or the tetrapods evolved in shallow freshwater habitats from the intermediate species approximately 397 million years ago. the tetrapods went on conquering the land giving rise to amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds.

the major split in tetrapods first occurred 340 million years ago branching off from amphibians.

363 million years ago when the carboniferous period began the insects started roaming on land and taking flights, following which the four limbed tetrapods adapted in the terrestrial habitat.

answer; somatic;