What process leads to genetic diversity in living organisms?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. Fertilization
• D. Cloning

Answer: (B)

Meiosis is the process that leads to genetic diversity in living organisms. It is a specialized form of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms to produce gametes—sperm and eggs. During meiosis, two key events contribute to genetic diversity: independent assortment and crossing over.

Independent assortment refers to the random distribution of maternal and paternal chromosomes into gametes. This means that the combination of alleles that each gamete receives is varied, leading to a unique set of genetic information.

Crossing over occurs during prophase I of meiosis, where homologous chromosomes exchange segments of genetic material. This recombination creates new combinations of genes that are different from those of the parent organisms.

These mechanisms ensure that each gamete is genetically distinct, resulting in offspring that have a unique genetic makeup, which is essential for evolution and adaptation in changing environments. Thus, meiosis is vital for increasing genetic diversity in populations.