Question

1. which process results in greater genetic diversity in offspring?

options:

• recombination of dna during meiosis
• crossing-over during mitosis
• genetic linkage
• rearrangement of chromosomes in germ cells

Explanation:

To determine which process increases genetic diversity in offspring, we analyze each option:

• "recombination of DNA during meiosis": Meiosis involves processes like crossing - over (a type of DNA recombination between homologous chromosomes) and independent assortment. These processes shuffle genetic material, leading to new combinations of alleles in gametes. When gametes fuse during fertilization, this results in greater genetic diversity in offspring.
• "crossing - over during mitosis": Mitosis is for cell growth and repair, producing genetically identical daughter cells. Crossing - over does not occur during mitosis (it occurs during meiosis I), so this option is incorrect.
• "genetic linkage": Genetic linkage refers to genes being located close together on a chromosome and being inherited together. This reduces the amount of independent assortment and does not increase genetic diversity.
• "rearrangement of chromosomes in germ cells": While chromosome rearrangements can occur, the specific process of DNA recombination during meiosis (including crossing - over and independent assortment) is a well - known mechanism for generating genetic diversity in offspring. Recombination during meiosis is a more direct and major contributor to genetic diversity compared to general chromosome rearrangement.

Answer:

recombination of DNA during meiosis