Final answer:
The term 'synteny' refers to the conserved order of consecutive genes along a chromosome segment in different species, indicating common ancestry and evolutionary conservation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conserved order of consecutive genes along a chromosome segment in different species is known as synteny. Synteny is a situation in which blocks of DNA, containing gene sequences that are lined up in the same order, are conserved across different species due to their common ancestry. This conservation occurs because these gene sequences play crucial roles and are highly significant for the organisms' survival and development.
Homologous chromosomes are an example of synteny, as they possess the same genes in the same linear order, which is maintained during the process of recombination, or crossover, during meiosis. The tight pairing of these chromosomes and the precise alignment of their genes facilitate the exchange of genetic material without altering the gene order, thus preserving synteny.