Why are genes that are located on the same chromosomes, or "linked", the exception to Mendel's law of independent assortment?A. Linked genes often separate through crossing over. B. Linked genes do not move together from generation to generation. C. Linked genes often segregate independently. D. Linked genes do not segregate independently.

The reason why genes that are located on the same chromosome, or "linked," are the exception to Mendel's law of independent assortment is: D. Linked genes do not segregate independently.

Explanation:

• Mendel's law of independent assortment states that alleles of different genes assort independently during gamete formation when they are located on different chromosomes or are far apart on the same chromosome.
• However, linked genes, located close together on the same chromosome, tend to be inherited together more often than predicted by Mendel's law of independent assortment. This is because linked genes are physically close to each other on the chromosome and tend to be transmitted as a unit during meiosis, unless separated by a crossing-over event during prophase I of meiosis.
• Therefore, linked genes do not segregate independently but are often inherited together unless separated by a recombination event like crossing over.