In the human body, which cell-division process occurs more frequently over a lifetime, and why?

• A. Meiosis, because it produces genetically identical somatic cells for growth, tissue maintenance, and repair throughout the body
• B. Mitosis, because it produces genetically identical somatic cells for growth, tissue maintenance, and repair throughout the body
• C. Meiosis, because it is required for routine replacement of most body cells such as skin and intestinal epithelium
• D. Mitosis, because it occurs only in the ovaries and testes to produce haploid gametes

Answer: (B)