Crossing over is an important step in meiosis. Which best explains how crossing over increases genetic variation? (SC.912.L.16.17)

Question

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1 point
Crossing over results in offspring with DNA identical to both parents.
Crossing over selects the most adaptive DNA from the parents' gametes.
Crossing over creates new combinations of each parent's DNA in the gametes.
Crossing over preserves the DNA of each parent to produce a genetically unique offspring.

Answer 1

The statement that best explains how crossing over increases genetic variation is:

Crossing over creates new combinations of each parent's DNA in the gametes.

This process occurs during prophase I of meiosis, where homologous chromosomes exchange segments of DNA, leading to genetic recombination that increases diversity in the offspring.