Question

As the chromosome pairs line up during prophase I, some material from the chromatids switch to the exact same position on the other chromosomes. This exchange can happen multiple times on the same pair of chromosomes. The diagram shows crossing over and the resulting gametes.



Which best describes how crossing over increases genetic diversity?

A.
Crossing over increases genetic diversity because it prevents genetic mutations from occurring within the genes.

B.
Crossing over increases genetic diversity because it ensures that offspring receive the dominant alleles for traits.

C.
Crossing over increases genetic diversity because it results in new combinations of genes on each chromosome.

D.
Crossing over increases genetic diversity because it creates an uneven amount of genetic material on the chromatids.

Answer 1

C.

Crossing over produces recombinant chromatids by swapping equivalent segments between homologous chromosomes during prophase I, creating new combinations of alleles on each chromosome and thus increasing genetic variation among gametes.