Final answer:
Genetic distance is the measure of how different genetic sequences are from each other, determined by the recombination frequency during meiosis which helps in constructing genetic maps.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of genetic distance refers to the measure of how different genetic sequences are from each other. Geneticists use the proportion of nonparental gametes and the frequency of crossover events to construct genetic maps, which provide an outline for locating genes within a genome. The recombination frequency during meiosis is a key factor in predicting genetic distance, and it is determined by counting the number of offspring with nonparental genotypes. In essence, the more crossover that occurs between two linked genes, the further apart they are estimated to be on the chromosome. Additionally, there are different types of maps such as genetic maps and physical maps, with physical maps detailing the actual number of nucleotides between genetic markers.