The principle of independent assortment states that:
A) each offspring from a single set of parents is very likely to be genetically unique.
B) genetic variation is likely to occur during reproduction.
C) after meiosis, each gamete produced is likely to have a different set of 23 chromosomes.
D) all of the above are true.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of independent assortment states that during the formation of gametes, the distribution of one pair of alleles (from two different genes) does not influence the distribution of another pair of alleles. This leads to a wide variety of genetic combinations in the offspring, increasing genetic variation. This also means that each gamete produced during meiosis is likely to have a different set of 23 chromosomes, further increasing genetic diversity. Therefore, all of the options mentioned in the question (A, B, and C) are true, making choice D the correct answer.

The Principle of Independent Assortment States That