Final answer:
In bacteria, conjugation and transduction are two forms of genetic recombination that contribute to genetic diversity and the spread of traits such as antibiotic resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two forms of recombination in bacteria are conjugation and transduction. Conjugation involves the transfer of DNA material, usually a plasmid, between two bacterial cells via a structure known as the F pilus or sex pilus. During this process, the donor cell transfers a copy of the plasmid to the recipient cell, which then gains new genetic traits. Transduction, on the other hand, occurs when bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) transfer genetic material from one bacterium to another, resulting in recombinant bacteria that exhibit new genetic profiles. Both mechanisms play significant roles in the genetic diversity of bacterial populations and can lead to the spread of characteristics like antibiotic resistance.