The term applied to the exchange of parts that may occur between pairs of chromosomes in early stages of meiosis is crossing over.

Here's why:

* Crossing over is a process that occurs during prophase I of meiosis. It involves the physical exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes.

* This exchange results in recombinant chromosomes, which are chromosomes that carry a mix of genetic material from both parents.

* Crossing over is a key mechanism for generating genetic diversity, as it shuffles the genetic information within a population.