Meiosis results in

Options

A. Production of gametes
B. Reduction in the number of chromosomes
C. Introduction of variation
D. all of the above

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Meiosis**: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the formation of gametes (sperm and egg cells in animals).

2. **Chromosome Number Reduction**: In meiosis, a diploid cell (2N) undergoes two rounds of division (meiosis I and meiosis II) to produce four haploid cells (N). This reduction is crucial for maintaining the species' chromosome number across generations.

3. **Formation of Gametes**: The end products of meiosis are gametes. These haploid cells are essential for sexual reproduction, as they combine during fertilization to form a diploid zygote.

4. **Variations through Crossing Over**: During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes can exchange genetic material through a process called crossing over. This leads to genetic variation in the gametes, which is important for evolution and adaptation.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, meiosis results in the formation of four genetically diverse haploid gametes from one diploid cell, along with a reduction in chromosome number and the introduction of genetic variation.

**Final Answer**: Meiosis results in four haploid gametes, a reduction in chromosome number, and genetic variation.

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