In which phase does crossing over occur?

Crossing over occurs during Prophase I of meiosis. This phase is characterized by the pairing of homologous chromosomes, which allows for genetic recombination through the exchange of genetic material. During crossing over, segments of chromatids from homologous chromosomes break and rejoin, effectively shuffling alleles between the two chromosomes. This process is crucial for increasing genetic diversity in gametes, as it allows for new combinations of traits that can be passed on to offspring. Understanding the significance of crossing over in Prophase I is fundamental in genetics, as it contributes to the genetic variation observed in populations.