Final answer:
The correct order of the genes based on their recombination rates is k-w-s, with k and w being closest due to their lowest recombination rate of 4%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves determining the order of genes on a chromosome based on their recombination rates. Recombination rates provide information about the genetic distance between genes, which is measured in map units or centimorgans (cM). A lower recombination rate suggests that two genes are closer together in the linear sequence of the chromosome.
The recombination rate between genes s and k is 9%, between s and w is 12%, and between k and w is 4%. Since k and w have the lowest recombination rate, they must be closest together on the chromosome. The gene with the intermediate recombination rate to the other two genes will be in the middle. Therefore, the correct order of the genes is k-w-s.