Final answer:
Independent assortment during meiosis contributes to genetic diversity by allowing random combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes, leading to gametes with unique genetic makeups. This principle was formulated by Mendel and is fundamental in understanding the genetic variation observed in offspring.
Step-by-step explanation:
Independent assortment contributes to genetic diversity in sexually reproducing organisms. This process occurs during meiosis I, specifically at Anaphase I, where pairs of homologous chromosomes are randomly distributed to the two daughter cells.
Each chromosome in a pair moves independently, allowing for various combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes in the resulting gametes. According to Mendel's principle of independent assortment, alleles for different traits segregate independently of one another unless they are closely linked on the same chromosome.
For instance, considering a cell with a chromosomal pair (n = 2), there are two possible arrangements at metaphase I. This can lead to four possible genetic combinations due to the random assortment of these chromosomes during gamete formation. If alleles for traits such as color, height, or seed type in pea plants assort independently, the potential genetic makeup of offspring is greatly expanded, enhancing overall genetic variability within a population.