Which type of genetic variation occurs during meiosis?

Independent assortment is a fundamental mechanism of genetic variation that occurs during meiosis, specifically during the formation of gametes. During this process, the pairs of homologous chromosomes are randomly distributed into different gametes, leading to a mix of maternal and paternal chromosomes. This random distribution means that the combination of alleles that end up in each gamete is unique, contributing to the genetic diversity of offspring.

This mechanism plays a crucial role in the formation of varied combinations of traits when fertilization occurs, as it allows for numerous potential genetic combinations in the resulting offspring. The process is a key aspect of sexual reproduction and underpins the genetic variation seen in populations, which is essential for evolution and adaptation.

The other concepts listed, while related to genetics and evolution, operate in different contexts. Mutation refers to changes in DNA sequences that can introduce new genetic variations, but these changes occur independently of meiosis. Genetic drift describes random changes in allele frequencies in a population over time, usually in small populations, without regard to selection, and it does not specifically arise during meiosis. Natural selection, on the other hand, is a process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to reproduce, leading to adaptation over generations but is not a mechanism of genetic variation created during