Meiosis in diploid organisms results in

Options

A. production of gametes
B. reduction in the number of chromosomes
C. introduction of variation
D. All of the above

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Meiosis**: Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that occurs in diploid organisms to produce gametes (sperm and eggs). It consists of two successive divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II.

2. **Production of Gametes**: The primary function of meiosis is to produce gametes. In diploid organisms, meiosis results in the formation of haploid gametes, which contain half the number of chromosomes compared to the original diploid cell.

3. **Reduction in Chromosome Number**: Meiosis is often referred to as a reduction division because it reduces the chromosome number from diploid (2n) to haploid (n). This is crucial for maintaining the species' chromosome number across generations when gametes fuse during fertilization.

4. **Introduction of Variation**: During meiosis, specifically in the pachytene stage of prophase I, crossing over occurs. This process involves the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, leading to genetic recombination. This introduces variation among the gametes produced.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, meiosis in diploid organisms results in:
- Production of gametes
- Reduction in the number of chromosomes
- Introduction of genetic variation

6. **Final Answer**: The correct answer is "all of the above".

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