Final answer:
Independent assortment takes place during Metaphase I of meiosis I, where homologous chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate in random combinations leading to genetic diversity in the resulting gametes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Independent assortment occurs during the stage of meiosis where chromosomes align randomly at the equator before being separated. This process is vital for generating genetic diversity in the resultant gametes. Independent assortment specifically takes place during Metaphase I of meiosis I. At this stage, homologous chromosomes line up in pairs along the metaphase plate.
Each chromosome in the pair originates from either the maternal or paternal parent, and the random orientation of these pairs leads to different combinations of chromosomes being distributed to each gamete. Following Metaphase I, anaphase I sees the separation of these homologous chromosomes. Meiosis II resembles mitosis, where separation of sister chromatids occurs during anaphase II, but it is the events in Metaphase I that are responsible for independent assortment.Independent assortment occurs during Metaphase I of meiosis. In this stage, homologous pairs of chromosomes align randomly on the spindle, and each pair can line up in a different orientation. As a result, during anaphase I, when the homologous chromosomes separate and migrate towards opposite poles, they do so independently of each other. This leads to a random assortment of maternal and paternal chromosomes in the resulting gametes.