What role does meiosis play in evolutionary biology?

Meiosis plays a crucial role in evolutionary biology by enhancing genetic variation in populations. This process occurs during the formation of gametes (sperm and eggs) and involves two consecutive cell divisions, resulting in four non-identical haploid cells. One of the key features of meiosis is crossing over, where homologous chromosomes exchange segments of genetic material. This results in new combinations of alleles, which contribute to the genetic diversity of offspring.

Additionally, during independent assortment, the manner in which different chromosomes are distributed into gametes adds another layer of variation. This genetic diversity is essential for evolution, as it provides a substrate for natural selection to act upon. A greater genetic variation within a population increases its adaptive potential to changing environments, thereby influencing evolutionary processes such as speciation and adaptation.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the role of meiosis; meiosis does not lead to cloning, does not primarily produce energy, and it does not maintain static populations. By fostering genetic diversity, meiosis is integral to the evolutionary dynamics of species.