Which scenario is likely to result in the most genetically diverse offspring?

• A. Only independent assortment occurs during meiosis
• B. Only crossing over occurs during meiosis
• C. Neither independent assortment nor crossing over occurs during meiosis
• D. Independent assortment and crossing over both occur during meiosis

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of genetic diversity: Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genetic combinations in offspring, which is influenced by processes during meiosis such as independent assortment and crossing over.
2. Learn about independent assortment: During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are randomly distributed into daughter cells. This random distribution ensures that each gamete receives a unique combination of maternal and paternal chromosomes. This process increases genetic variation.
3. Learn about crossing over: Crossing over occurs during prophase I of meiosis when homologous chromosomes exchange segments of DNA. This recombination creates new combinations of alleles on the chromosomes, further increasing genetic diversity.
4. Analyze the scenarios: If only independent assortment occurs, genetic diversity is increased but limited to the random distribution of chromosomes. If only crossing over occurs, genetic diversity is increased but limited to recombination within chromosomes. If neither occurs, genetic diversity is minimal because offspring inherit identical genetic material from the parent.
5. Combine the processes: When both independent assortment and crossing over occur during meiosis, the combination of random chromosome distribution and recombination results in the highest level of genetic diversity in offspring.