Describe two ways in which genetic diversity is achieved during meiosis?

During prophase 1, chromosomal crossing over takes place, in which genetic information is exchanged between chromatids of each homologous pair of chromosomes in their bivalents- the point of crossing over is the chiasma. This leads to genetic diversity as the chromosomes now have a different combination of alleles. During metaphase 1, independent assortment of chromosomes takes place. The orientation of each homologous pair on the metaphase plate is random- the maternal and paternal chromosome could end up facing either pole.