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D2.1.11—Meiosis generates variation

Meiosis generates variation through crossing over, random bivalent orientation, independent assortment and random fertilization in sexual reproduction and inheritance patterns.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
D2.1.11
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing14%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2024
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1–2

Common command terms

  • State
  • Explain
  • Describe
  • Draw
  • Outline
  • Identify

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Saying crossing over occurs between sister chromatids instead of non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes.

Recent exam appearances

May 2024Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ17(b)[ 5 ]D2.1.11—Meiosis generates variation
May 2024Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ110[ 1 ]D2.1.11—Meiosis generates variation
May 2023Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ17(a)[ 4 ]D2.1.11—Meiosis generates variation
May 2023Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ136[ 1 ]D2.1.11—Meiosis generates variation
May 2023Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ231[ 1 ]D2.1.11—Meiosis generates variation
Practice this objective

Coverage 2012–2024 · Updated 16 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Crossing over exchanges DNA between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes.
  • Chiasmata are visible points associated with crossing over.
  • Random orientation of bivalents produces different chromosome combinations.
  • Random fertilization adds further genetic variation in sexual reproduction.
ConceptIB Biology HL