What is the term for the way genes independently separate from one another during gamete formation?

The term that describes how genes independently separate during gamete formation is independent assortment. This concept is a fundamental principle of genetics, first proposed by Gregor Mendel based on his experiments with pea plants.

During the formation of gametes through meiosis, chromosomes are shuffled and distributed into gametes in such a way that the alleles for different traits segregate independently of one another. This means that the inheritance of one trait does not influence the inheritance of another trait, as long as the genes are located on different chromosomes or are far apart on the same chromosome.

This principle helps explain the genetic variation seen in offspring, as different combinations of alleles can be passed on to the next generation. Independent assortment is crucial for understanding how traits are inherited and how genetic diversity is created within populations.