Sexual reproduction results in an increase in genetic diversity because:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A) During prophase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange segments of DNA through a process called crossing over. This results in genetic recombination and the creation of gametes with new combinations of alleles, increasing genetic diversity.

B) During metaphase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate in random orientations. This orientation determines which homologous chromosome will end up in which daughter cell, resulting in even more genetic diversity.

C) During fertilization, two gametes with unique combinations of alleles fuse together to create a new organism with a unique set of alleles from both parents. This also increases genetic diversity.

Therefore, all three options (A, B, and C) contribute to the increase in genetic diversity resulting from sexual reproduction.

Sexual Reproduction Results in an Increase in Genetic Diversity Because