Final answer:
Crossing over during prophase I of meiosis I create new combinations of alleles in gametes that do not exist in somatic cells. Independent assortment further increases genetic diversity by randomly distributing chromosomes during anaphase I of meiosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The step of meiosis that generates combinations of alleles in the chromosomes in your gametes that were not originally present in your somatic cells is known as crossing over. This genetic recombination process occurs during prophase I of meiosis I, when non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes exchange segments, resulting in new combinations of maternal and paternal genes. In contrast, independent assortment refers to the random distribution of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I, specifically during anaphase I, which contributes to genetic diversity by producing unique combinations of chromosomes.