Question

What the significance of genetic variation produced by meiosis?

It reduces the number of chromosomes
It ensures identical offspring
It allows for adaptation and evolution
It prevents genetic disorders

Answer 1

The significance of genetic variation produced by meiosis primarily lies in its ability **to allow for adaptation and evolution**. Meiosis is a type of cell division that creates gametes (sperm and eggs) and introduces genetic diversity through processes like crossing over and independent assortment. This genetic variation is crucial for natural selection and evolution, as it provides a population with a range of traits that can respond to changing environments, leading to better adaptation and survival.

The other options listed are not accurate representations of the significance of genetic variation due to meiosis:

- **It reduces the number of chromosomes**: While meiosis does reduce the chromosome number in gametes, the process itself is more about the generation of genetic diversity than simply reducing chromosome numbers.
- **It ensures identical offspring**: Meiosis does not ensure identical offspring; in fact, it promotes genetic diversity among offspring.
- **It prevents genetic disorders**: While genetic variation can help reduce the prevalence of some genetic disorders in a population over time, meiosis itself does not prevent genetic disorders directly.

Therefore, the best answer is: **It allows for adaptation and evolution.**