Define "genetic recombination."

Genetic recombination refers specifically to the mixing of genetic material during meiosis, which is a crucial process in sexual reproduction. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes undergo crossing over and exchange segments of DNA. This exchange results in new combinations of alleles, leading to genetic variation among gametes. This variability is essential for evolution and adaptation as it increases genetic diversity within a population.

In contrast, gene mutation involves changes in the DNA sequence itself, but it does not encompass the broader mixing of genetic material that occurs during meiosis. The selection of traits in offspring relates to the principles of natural selection and does not encapsulate the mechanics of how genetic material is shuffled during the formation of gametes. A method of cloning genes pertains to biotechnology techniques utilized to make copies of specific DNA sequences but is not related to the natural process of genetic recombination that occurs in meiosis.