In what type of reproduction does meiosis play a critical role?

Meiosis plays a critical role in sexual reproduction because it is the process through which gametes, or sex cells, are produced. In organisms that reproduce sexually, meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half, creating haploid cells from diploid cells. This reduction is essential because it ensures that when gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting offspring have the appropriate diploid number of chromosomes.

Moreover, meiosis introduces genetic variation through processes such as crossing over and independent assortment, which contribute to the genetic diversity of the resulting offspring. This variation is important for evolution and adaptation in changing environments. Thus, sexual reproduction relies heavily on meiosis to create genetically unique individuals, which is a key advantage for survival and adaptation in many species.