The document discusses genetic recombination and gene linkage. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and may exchange genetic material through crossing over. Tracking how closely linked genes segregate during crosses allows their relative positions on chromosomes to be determined. Genetic markers are used to infer the presence of other linked genes. Independent assortment of chromosomes leads to many possible combinations of alleles in gametes. The analysis of crosses differs depending on whether genes are on the same or different chromosomes. Recombination frequency between linked genes can be measured and used to create genetic maps.