What is genetic recombination?

Genetic recombination refers to the process during which genetic material from parents is shuffled during reproduction, resulting in offspring that have unique combinations of genes. This occurs primarily during meiosis, the type of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and eggs). During meiosis, homologous chromosomes exchange segments of genetic material in a process called crossing over, which creates new allele combinations. This shuffling is crucial for increasing genetic diversity within a population, which can enhance adaptability and survival.

The other choices relate to different genetic processes. The duplication of chromosomes in cell division is a fundamental part of both mitosis and meiosis but does not involve the mixing of genetic material necessary for recombination. Gene cloning refers to techniques used to produce copies of specific genes or DNA segments and is not about the natural mixing of genes during reproduction. The transfer of genetic material between species pertains to horizontal gene transfer, which is a different mechanism unrelated to the classical definition of genetic recombination, which is typically concerned with genetic mixing within a species.