Question

what does a frequency of recombination less than 50% imply?
independent assortment
genes are on different chromosomes
no genetic linkage
genes are closely linked on the same chromosome

Explanation:

When the recombination frequency is less than 50%, it indicates that genes are on the same chromosome. If genes were on different chromosomes (independent assortment), the recombination frequency would approach 50%. No genetic linkage would also lead to a recombination frequency near 50%. But when genes are closely linked on the same chromosome, crossing - over (which causes recombination) is less likely to occur between them, resulting in a recombination frequency less than 50%.

Answer:

Genes are closely linked on the same chromosome.