The random orientation of tetrads at the metaphase plate is known as:

1. Each homologous pair can line up either way round, and the choices are unlinked. 2. There is an equal chance that a microtubule fibre will encounter a maternally or paternally inherited chromosome. 3. This random, or independent, assortment of homologous chromosomes at the metaphase plate is the second mechanism that introduces variation into the gametes or spores. 4. Inversions and translocations are chromosome mutations, not routine meiotic behaviour. _Source: OpenStax Biology for AP(R) Courses (CC BY 4.0), Ch 11 'Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction', sections 11.1-11.2_