The correct answer is:
B: it ensures genetic diversity among offspring.
Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms to produce gametes (sperm and eggs). It reduces the chromosome number by half, creating haploid cells from diploid cells, and important processes such as crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis contribute to genetic diversity among the offspring.
Options A, C, and D are incorrect because:
- A: Meiosis does not occur in somatic cells; it occurs in germ cells.
- C: Meiosis produces genetically unique daughter cells, not genetically identical ones (which are produced by mitosis).
- D: Meiosis does not maintain the diploid chromosome number; it reduces it to haploid, which is essential for sexual reproduction when these gametes fuse during fertilization to restore the diploid number.
1 answer