Question

independent assortment increases genetic variation because it: allows chromosomes to replicate randomly aligns homologous chromosome pairs in metaphase i swaps dna between sister chromatids creates mutations in gametes

Explanation:

Independent assortment occurs during Metaphase I of meiosis, where homologous chromosome pairs line up randomly at the equator. This random alignment leads to different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes in gametes, increasing genetic variation. Chromosome replication happens before meiosis, DNA swaps between sister chromatids is not the mechanism here, and mutations are unrelated to independent assortment.

Answer:

Randomly aligns homologous chromosome pairs in Metaphase I