Question

what is the significance of meiosis in terms of genetic shuffling?
it doubles the chromosome number.
it maintains identical genetic material.
it prevents genetic variation.
it facilitates random recombination of chromosomes.

Explanation:

Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half. During meiosis, crossing - over occurs (exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes) and independent assortment of chromosomes takes place. These processes lead to the random recombination of chromosomes. Doubling the chromosome number is not a function of meiosis (mitosis can lead to chromosome number doubling in some cases). Meiosis does not maintain identical genetic material (mitosis does in somatic cells). Also, meiosis promotes genetic variation rather than preventing it.

Answer:

It facilitates random recombination of chromosomes.