Final answer:
Crossing-over during meiosis is the process that can disrupt the pattern of genes located on the same chromosome being inherited together. This exchange of chromosome segments leads to genetic recombination, which can separate linked genes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Genes located on the same chromosome are generally inherited together as a group, a phenomenon known as gene linkage. However, this pattern of inheritance can be disrupted through a process called crossing-over. During meiosis, chromosomes can exchange segments, leading to a recombination of genetic material.
This can separate genes that were previously on the same chromosome, resulting in them being inherited independently. The occurrence of crossing-over is the correct answer (b) from the given options that can disrupt the pattern of genes being inherited as a group when they are located on the same chromosome.