What is the primary function of meiosis in biological organisms?

The primary function of meiosis in biological organisms is to produce gametes with half the number of chromosomes. This process is crucial for sexual reproduction, as it ensures that when two gametes—the sperm and egg—combine during fertilization, the resulting offspring will have the correct diploid number of chromosomes, maintaining species consistency across generations.

Meiosis involves two rounds of cell division and results in four non-identical daughter cells, each with half the original number of chromosomes (haploid). This reduction is essential because it allows for genetic diversity through processes such as crossing over and independent assortment, which shuffle genetic material during the formation of gametes. This genetic variation is vital for evolution and adaption in changing environments.

In contrast to the other options, meiosis does not function in energy production, DNA repair of somatic cells, or the creation of identical copies of cells, which are roles associated with other cellular processes like cellular respiration, DNA repair mechanisms, and mitosis, respectively.