What process creates genetic variation among offspring?

Meiosis is the key process responsible for creating genetic variation among offspring. This specialized form of cell division is essential for sexual reproduction and occurs in gametes—the sperm and egg cells.

During meiosis, a single diploid cell undergoes two rounds of division, resulting in four haploid cells, each with half the number of chromosomes. One of the significant events in meiosis that contributes to genetic variation is independent assortment, where the way one pair of chromosomes is distributed into gametes does not influence the distribution of another pair. Additionally, crossing over occurs during prophase I of meiosis, allowing for the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes. This exchange further shuffles the genetic traits, resulting in unique combinations in the resulting gametes.

Thus, the combination of independent assortment and crossing over ensures that the genetic makeup of offspring is distinct from that of their parents and each other, promoting genetic diversity within a population.