Which statement best summarizes the importance of meiosis to sexual reproduction?

• A. It produces gametes by a single division that separates sister chromatids without reducing chromosome number.
• B. It produces haploid gametes and increases genetic variation through independent assortment and crossing over.
• C. It produces genetically identical diploid daughter cells for growth and tissue repair.
• D. It eliminates mutations by ensuring each gene is copied without error in every generation.

Answer: (B)