Crossing over is a very important event in prophase 1 of meiosis! What happens during crossing over and what is the significance?

The term 'Crossing over' was used by Morgan and Cattell. It is a process in which there is exchange of chromosome segments between non-sister chromatids of a homologous chromosomes. It occurs during pachytene stage of prophase I of meiosis cell division.

Significance of crossing over:

Crossing over provides genetic variation in all sexually reproducing organisms. It creates new combination of genes or genetic recombination and produces hybrids.