Crossing over (genetic recombination) and independent assortment result in

A.) genetic variation in the gametes
B.) four identical gametes
C.) two diploid cells
D.) a very large number of mutations

The correct answer is A.) genetic variation in the gametes.

When it comes to genetic recombination, there are two important processes that contribute to genetic variation: crossing over (also known as genetic recombination) and independent assortment.

Crossing over occurs during meiosis, the process of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and eggs). During crossing over, homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material. This exchange happens at specific regions called chiasmata. As a result of crossing over, genes from the father and mother can be mixed and combined, creating new combinations of genetic material. This genetic shuffling leads to genetic variation in the gametes produced, as each gamete contains a unique combination of genetic material.

Independent assortment, on the other hand, is the random alignment and separation of homologous pairs of chromosomes during meiosis. During this process, different combinations of chromosomes can be distributed into gametes. This means that the chromosomes from the father and mother are independently sorted, resulting in gametes with different combinations of genetic material. Again, this leads to an increased diversity of genetic combinations in the gametes.

So, crossing over and independent assortment work together during meiosis to create genetic variation in the gametes. This variation is important for the survival and evolution of species, as it allows for new combinations of traits and increases the chances of adaptation to changing environments.

A.) genetic variation in the gametes