Explain how the independent alignment of homologs, and also crossing-over during the first meiotic division, each contribute to the genetic diversity of gametes.

Answer: Homologous chromosomes are randomly distributed to daughter cells, this means different chromosomes segregate independently of each other. And they exchange segments of DNA during crossing over. This recombination creates genetic diversity because genes from each parent are exchanged.

Explanation:

Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces gamete cells, which are sex cells (egg and sperm)

Chromosomes that form a pair and are found together are called homologous chromosomes, and they are inherited from each parent. During prophase of meiosis I, the homologous chromosomes exchange segments of DNA in a process called crossing over. This recombination creates genetic diversity because genes from each parent are exchanged. It results in new combinations of genes on each chromosome.

After that, during the anaphase of meiosis I, the two chromosomes line up on the equatorial plane of the cell. Then, they are separated and each will go to a new daughter cell. So homologous chromosomes are randomly distributed to daughter cells, this means different chromosomes segregate independently of each other.