The generation of new allele combinations as a consequence of sexual reproduction and meiosis, is called … A. linkage disequilibrium B. outcrossing C. genetic drift D. genetic recombination
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. genetic recombination.
Genetic recombination is the process by which new allele combinations are created in offspring during sexual reproduction. It occurs during meiosis, which is the type of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and eggs in animals, pollen and ovules in plants). During meiosis, homologous chromosomes—one inherited from each parent—pair up and exchange genetic material through a process known as crossing over. This exchange results in the formation of new combinations of alleles that were not present in the parents.
This mechanism contributes to genetic diversity within a population, as it generates variations in the genetic makeup of offspring. It plays a crucial role in evolution, as it allows for new combinations of traits, increasing the likelihood that some individuals may have advantageous traits that improve their chances of survival and reproduction.
Recombination is essential for the functioning of natural selection and the overall adaptability of a species. Without genetic recombination, offspring would inherit the same combination of genes as their parents, reducing genetic diversity and potentially making the population more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes.
The other options listed are not related to the process of generating new allele combinations. Linkage disequilibrium refers to the non-random association of alleles at different loci, outcrossing refers to mating between different individuals or populations, and genetic drift is the random fluctuation in allele frequencies within a small population. While all of these processes are involved in evolution, only genetic recombination directly generates new allele combinations during sexual reproduction.