The table below shows the number of chromosome pairs for various organisms

Organism

Number of

Chromosome Pairs

Hare

24

Hyena

20

Kangaroo

6

Meerkat

36

)

Which organism can produce the highest number of genetically different

gametes?

The correct answer will be option - Meerkat with 36 chromosome pairs

Explanation:

Genetic diversity in organisms takes place by the process recombination which takes place during cell division through meiosis.

The process of meiosis takes place during the gamete formation in organisms. During prophase I of meiosis, the exchange of DNA between sister chromatids takes place mediated by the formation of the synapse between chromosomes.

If the number of chromosomes in an organism will be high then there will be more probability of the genetic recombination process in those organisms.

So the organism with a high number of chromosome pairs can have the maximum chances of genetic recombination and genetic diversity. Thus, the selected option is the correct answer.

Meerkat - the more chromosomes the more different gametes can be created