What is independent assortment during meiosis?

Independent assortment during meiosis refers to the process that occurs during metaphase I when homologous chromosomes are arranged randomly along the equatorial plane of the cell. This random orientation leads to different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes being segregated into daughter cells when the cell divides. As a result, the gametes produced through meiosis contain a unique mix of genetic information, contributing to genetic diversity in sexually reproducing organisms.

This phenomenon is crucial for evolution and adaptation, as it generates a variety of genetic combinations that can be subject to natural selection. The randomness of how these chromosomes align means that each gamete has the potential to carry different alleles, enhancing variation among offspring.