What term describes genes that are inherited together because they are located close on the same chromosome?

The term that describes genes that are inherited together because they are located close on the same chromosome is linkage. This phenomenon occurs due to the physical proximity of genes on a chromosome, which makes it more likely that they will be inherited together during the process of meiosis, when gametes are formed.

When genes are linked, the likelihood that they will assort independently is reduced, which can lead to specific combinations of traits being observed in the offspring. This concept is a crucial part of genetic studies and helps explain patterns of inheritance that deviate from Mendel’s law of independent assortment.

While the other options relate to genetics, they do not accurately describe this particular relationship. Mutation refers to a change in the DNA sequence of a gene, alleles are different versions of a gene, and crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis. None of these terms connote the specific concept of genes being inherited together due to their close physical proximity on the same chromosome, as linkage does.