What is the primary importance of meiosis in sexually reproducing organisms?

• A. It produces genetically identical cells.
• B. It allows for asexual reproduction.
• C. It increases the number of chromosomes in the offspring.
• D. It reduces the chromosome number by half, creating haploid gametes.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that meiosis is a type of cell division specific to sexually reproducing organisms.
2. Recognize that the primary role of meiosis is to reduce the chromosome number by half, which is crucial for maintaining the species' chromosome number across generations.
3. Identify that meiosis results in the production of haploid gametes (sperm and eggs), each containing half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
4. Acknowledge that this reduction in chromosome number is essential for fertilization, where two haploid gametes combine to form a diploid zygote.
5. Note that meiosis also introduces genetic variation through processes like crossing over and independent assortment, but its primary importance is the reduction of chromosome number.