When two genes are located close to one another on a chromosome, they tend to be transmitted together. This phenomenon is known as .

This phenomenon is known as genetic linkage. Genetic linkage occurs when genes that are located physically close to each other on the same chromosome are inherited together more frequently than would be expected by chance. This is due to the fact that during meiosis, a process called recombination can occur, where sections of chromosomes are exchanged between homologous chromosomes. The closer two genes are on a chromosome, the less likely it is that recombination will occur between them, thus keeping them together during inheritance.

Genetic linkage is important for understanding the inheritance patterns of traits, particularly in the study of genetics and breeding. It can help in mapping genes to specific locations on chromosomes and understanding how traits are passed down through generations, which is crucial in fields like genetics, agriculture, and medicine.