Final answer:
The deviation from independent assortment of alleles due to their physical proximity on the same chromosome is called linkage. This can be mitigated by recombination events that lead to the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deviation from independent assortment of alleles is known as linkage. This biological phenomenon occurs when alleles, which are versions of a gene, are located in close proximity on the same chromosome, leading to their inheritance as a pair unless a recombination event, also known as crossing over, occurs. Recombination is a random process that can occur anywhere along the length of the chromosome, exchanging genetic material between homologous chromosomes. Genes that are farther apart on the same chromosome may still be inherited independently due to recombination events in the intervening chromosomal space.