AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Because of recombination and independent assortment in meiosis, each gamete contains a different set of DNA. This produces a unique combination of genes in the resulting zygote. Recombination or crossing over occurs during prophase I.

Detailed explanation-2: -Meiosis contributes to genetic variation via two important mechanisms, namely independent assortment of gametes and genetic recombination during crossing over.

Detailed explanation-3: -Gene duplication, mutation, or other processes can produce new genes and alleles and increase genetic variation. New genetic variation can be created within generations in a population, so a population with rapid reproduction rates will probably have high genetic variation.

Detailed explanation-4: -Independent assortment produces new combinations of alleles. In meiosis I, crossing over during prophase and independent assortment during anaphase creates sets of chromosomes with new combinations of alleles. Genetic variation is also introduced by random fertilization of the gametes produced by meiosis.

Detailed explanation-5: -Independent assortment increases genetic variation by allowing daughter cells to each randomly receive a different proportion of paternal and maternal chromosomes.