This document discusses gene linkage, which refers to the tendency of genes located near each other on the same chromosome to be inherited together during gamete formation. It notes that chromosomes contain multiple genes arranged in linkage groups. The closer two genes are on a chromosome, the less likely they are to be separated during crossing over. The discovery of genetic linkage was made by scientists Bateson and Punnett through experiments with pea plants tracking the inheritance of flower color and shape. Their findings showed that some gene combinations were consistently inherited together, indicating linkage. There are two types of linkage: complete and incomplete, depending on whether non-parental combinations are produced. Linkage is significant as it reduces recombination of genes and helps maintain parental traits.