Which principle states that genes for different traits segregate independently during gamete formation?

The principle of independent assortment is a fundamental concept in genetics that states that different genes independently separate from one another when reproductive cells develop. This principle explains how alleles for different traits are distributed to gametes independently of each other. For example, the inheritance of one trait will not affect the inheritance of another, which allows for a variety of genetic combinations in the offspring.

This principle was established by Gregor Mendel through his experiments with pea plants, where he observed the inheritance patterns of multiple traits. Independent assortment enhances genetic diversity, allowing for a mix of traits in offspring that may not be present in the parents.

Understanding this principle is essential for grasping basic genetic mechanisms, particularly in predicting the inheritance patterns of traits in a given population. It forms a critical foundation for more advanced concepts in genetics, such as linkage and recombination.