Genetic variation is a strong driver of evolution in species. Organisms that use sexual reproduction have evolved a cell division process known as meiosis to increase genetic variation in their offspring.

Question

Identify the two processes that happen during meiosis that help to increase the genetic variation of the offspring.

(1 point)
Responses

crossing over during prophase II and independent assortment during metaphase I
crossing over during prophase II and independent assortment during metaphase I

independent assortment during prophase II and crossing over during metaphase II
independent assortment during prophase II and crossing over during metaphase II

crossing over during prophase I and independent assortment during metaphase I
crossing over during prophase I and independent assortment during metaphase I

independent assortment during prophase I and crossing over during metaphase I

Answer 1

The correct response is:

crossing over during prophase I and independent assortment during metaphase I.

These two processes contribute to genetic variation: crossing over allows for the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, and independent assortment refers to the random distribution of maternal and paternal chromosomes into gametes.