Question

What is the purpose of meiosis?

Answer 1

To provide genetic diversity.

Explanation:

Unlike in mitosis where 2 identical daughter cells are created, meiosis results in 4 genetically unique haploid/sex cells (like sperm and egg cells).

The process in which meiosis provides this diversity is called crossing over . Crossing over occurs when two homologous chromosomes mix together their genetic information (i.e. chromosome A and chromosome B mixing to form chromosome AB). Here's a picture:

Hope this helps!