Why is meiosis more important in evolution than mitosis?

Answer 1

For details, you will need to refer to the Wikipedia website I've provided in the "sources reference" below, but the summary is as follows:

"the main differences between meiosis and mitosis are that meiosis occurs only in specialized cells rather than in every tissue; it produces haploid gametes rather than diploid somatic cells; and each daughter cell is genetically different from the others due to recombination and independent assortment of homologues, rather than genetically identical. The pairing of homologous chromosomes and crossing over occur only in meiosis."

As far as evolution is concerned, the website provided the following info..."The first stage of meiosis is a stage called prophase I. First, the DNA of individual chromosomes coils more and more tightly, a process called DNA condensation. The sister chromatids then attach to specific sites on the nuclear envelope that are designed to bring the members of each homologous pair of chromosomes close together. The sister chromatids line up in a fashion that is precise enough to pair up each gene on the DNA molecule with its corresponding "sister gene" on the homologous chromosome. This four-stranded structure of maternal and paternal homologues is also called a bivalent. Next in prophase I is the process of crossing over, in which fragments of DNA are exchanged between the homologous sister chromatids that form the paired DNA strands. Crossing over involves the physical breakage of the DNA double helix in one paternal and one maternal chromatid and joining of the respective ends. Under the light microscope, the points of this exchange can often be seen as an X-shaped structure called a chiasma. The exchange of genetic material means that new combinations of genes are created on two of the four chromatids: Stretches of DNA with maternal gene copies are mixed with stretches of DNA with paternal copies. This creation of new gene combinations is called "recombination" and is very important for evolution, since it increases the amount of genetic material that evolution can act upon. A statistical technique known as linkage analysis uses the frequency of recombination to infer the location of genes, such as those that increase a person's risk for certain diseases. " You will find a very detailed report on Wikipedia.

I hope this site will help you out with your research.

Many regards.

Answer 2

meiosis uses independent assortment and further random fertilization to create species with a completely unique set of genes acquired from both parents
this uniquness creates diversity, which prevents the entire population dying off if everybody had the same disposition
somebody will survive, and those super people will further reproduce
mitosis is important for existence of the individual, but meiosis is important in diversity and evolution

Answer 3

Because meiosis is where gene material is exchanged and recombined in a cell that can be naturally propagated and transmitted through generations, hence passing on genetic information to future descendants. Only material that is passed through generations to grand children can affect evolution. Only a few people have pointed out this simple fact which is the only thing that ties your question to evolution!

Answer 4

...meiosis ensures the continuity of man from generation to generation but mitosis determines the form of man that support meiosis

Answer 5

If meiosis did no longer take place there could be no such element as organic selection, species does no longer have the flexibility to evolve to changing environments, and that they could finally die off. it may additionally make synthetic selection impossible, which might propose there could be no such element as breeding. somewhat, evolution does no longer take place. There could be fixity of species

Answer 6

Meiosis is the process that yields germ line recombination. Mitosis is somatic cell replication.