Final answer:
During B. metaphase I of meiosis, homologous chromosome pairs align along the cell's equator. Spindle fibers connect to the chromosome pairs, and their random orientation leads to genetic diversity through independent assortment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Durint metaphase I of meiosis, homologous pairs of chromosomes align along the equator (center) of the spindle. This phase is characterized by the spindle fibers attaching to the paired homologous chromosomes and lining up along the equator of the cell. This phenomenon occurs exclusively during metaphase I, distinguishing it from mitosis and meiosis II where it is the sister chromatids that align along the cell's equator.
In the process of meiosis, prophase I involves the pairing up of homologous chromosomes, a unique feature to meiosis. Following this, during metaphase I, these paired chromosomes are arranged in the center of the cell, with the kinetochores facing opposite poles. This random orientation is crucial to genetic diversity as it contributes to independent assortment.