Here's why:

* Independent Assortment: This principle states that during meiosis, alleles for different traits separate independently of one another. This means that the inheritance of one trait doesn't influence the inheritance of another.

* Linked Genes: Linked genes are located close together on the same chromosome. Because of their proximity, they tend to be inherited together. During meiosis, the chromosomes (and the genes they carry) are separated, but the linked genes often stay together.

Key Points:

* Crossing Over: While linked genes usually stay together, crossing over (the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes) can sometimes separate them. The closer the genes are, the less likely they are to be separated by crossing over.

* Genetic Mapping: The frequency of recombination between linked genes can be used to estimate their distance apart on a chromosome, which is the basis for genetic mapping.

Let me know if you have any other questions!