Final answer:
Mendel’s principle of independent assortment applies to genes located on different chromosomes which sort independently during the formation of gametes unless they are very close on the same chromosome, in which case they may be inherited together due to genetic linkage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mendel’s principle of independent assortment states that the members of one pair of genes (alleles) from a parent will sort independently from other pairs of genes during the formation of gametes. The correct answer to the question is B) Different chromosomes. This principle applies when the genes for the traits being studied are located on different chromosomes, which allows for a variety of combinations of traits to appear in the offspring.
When genes are located on the same chromosome, they may be inherited together unless crossing over (recombination) occurs during meiosis. Recombination can separate linked genes if they are far apart on the chromosome, thereby allowing them to assort independently as well. However, genes that are very close together on the same chromosome tend to be inherited as a group, which is the concept of genetic linkage and is an exception to the principle of independent assortment.