Final answer:
Somatic recombination is the process of exchanging genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis through crossover. This process results in the production of recombinant chromosomes, contributing to genetic variation in offspring.
Step-by-step explanation:
Somatic recombination is a process that occurs during meiosis, specifically in prophase I. It involves the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes through a process called crossover. This exchange of genetic material results in the production of recombinant chromosomes that have a combination of genes from both parents. Somatic recombination plays a crucial role in increasing genetic variation in offspring and is important for species evolution.