Genetic recombination is a biological process that occurs during the formation of reproductive cells, such as sperm and eggs. It involves the exchange of genetic material between paired chromosomes, leading to new combinations of genes. This process increases genetic diversity, which is essential for evolution and adaptation in populations. During meiosis, the two homologous chromosomes align and can swap segments of DNA in a process called crossing over. This results in offspring that inherit a mix of traits from both parents, contributing to variations within a species. Genetic recombination plays a crucial role in the inheritance of traits and the overall health of ecosystems.