Given below are two statements.
Statement I: Only non-linked gene pairs segregate independently of each other.
Statement II: Chromosomal pairs always segregate independently.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

Statement I is true. Non-linked gene pairs, which are located on different chromosomes, usually segregate independently during meiosis. This is one of the fundamental principles of Mendelian genetics known as the Law of Independent Assortment. Genes located on different chromosomes are shuffled independently into gametes due to the random alignment and separation of homologous chromosome pairs during meiosis I.
Statement II is false. Genes located on the same chromosome can be linked, which means they are physically close to each other on the same chromosome. Linked genes may not segregate independently if they are so close that crossing over (recombination) events are infrequent between them.