Final Answer:
According to the linkage hypothesis (linked assortment) in Chapter 2, the term "linked" refers to the association between two different genes located on the same chromosome.
Step-by-step explanation:
The linkage hypothesis, proposed by Thomas Hunt Morgan and his colleagues in the early 20th century, suggests that genes located on the same chromosome are physically linked and tend to be inherited together.
This means that during meiosis, when chromosomes segregate, the genes on a particular chromosome are more likely to stay together rather than assort independently. The term "linked assortment" implies that the inheritance of certain alleles for different genes is not completely independent, as would be expected if genes were located on different chromosomes.
The degree of linkage between genes is influenced by the physical distance between them on the chromosome. Genes that are physically closer to each other are more likely to be inherited together, while those that are farther apart may show a higher degree of independent assortment.
The phenomenon of genetic recombination, which occurs during meiosis, can lead to the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, breaking the linkage between genes to some extent.
Understanding the concept of linkage is fundamental in genetics, as it provides insights into the inheritance patterns of genes and the basis of genetic mapping. Genetic linkage has important implications for predicting the inheritance of traits and understanding the genetic diversity within populations.