True or False: Plant breeders can take advantage of meiosis by selectively breeding plants with desired traits.

The statement is true because plant breeders utilize the process of meiosis to create genetic variation, which is essential for selective breeding. During meiosis, genetic recombination occurs, resulting in offspring that may express a combination of traits different from their parents. This process allows breeders to harness desirable traits—such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, or increased yield—by selecting plants that exhibit these characteristics during and after the breeding process.

By controlling the breeding between plants exhibiting specific traits, breeders are able to increase the frequency of these traits in the resultant generations. Consequently, meiosis serves as a vital mechanism through which plant genetic diversity can be enhanced, ultimately aiding in the development and improvement of plant varieties that meet agricultural and market needs.

While other choices may introduce nuances about trait specificity or general applicability, the fundamental principle remains that the principles of meiosis indeed support the selective breeding process, validating the truth of the statement.