The law of independent assortment __________.

• A. states that the alleles at different loci segregate independently from one another during a dihybrid cross
• B. can account for a 9:3:3:1 ratio seen in the F₂ generation
• C. applies only to genes that are present on different chromosomes (or behave as if they were)
• D. The first and second answers are correct.
• E. The first, second, and third answers are correct.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the law of independent assortment: It states that alleles of different genes are distributed independently of one another during gamete formation.
2. Recognize that this law applies to genes located on different chromosomes or those that behave as if they are on different chromosomes due to crossing over.
3. Identify that in a dihybrid cross, the law of independent assortment can lead to a phenotypic ratio of 9:3:3:1 in the F2 generation.
4. Evaluate the given options: The first option describes the law correctly, the second option explains the phenotypic ratio resulting from independent assortment, and the third option specifies the condition under which the law applies.
5. Conclude that all three statements are correct, as they collectively describe the law of independent assortment and its implications in genetic crosses.