Question

Explain how meiosis contributes to genetic diversity in sexually reproducing organisms.(Hint: Consider the roles of crossing over and independent assortment.) Explain in 2 sentences

Answer 1

Meiosis contributes to genetic diversity in sexually reproducing organisms through two key processes: crossing over and independent assortment. Crossing over allows homologous chromosomes to exchange genetic material during prophase I, creating new combinations of alleles, while independent assortment during metaphase I ensures that the distribution of maternal and paternal chromosomes to gametes is random, further enhancing genetic variation among offspring.