2007-03-21 13:05:28 · 4 answers · asked by Nina N 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Meiosis cuts down on the deformed offspring, and enables an organism to reproduce in the first place. Through meiosis, only desirable traits are passed on in the division of a cell, thus making the subsequent offspring more efficient in carrying out tasks.
2007-03-21 13:11:29 · answer #1 · answered by Olivia H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
during late prophase I of meiosis, non-sister chromatids are crossed over at the chiasma. this causes the paternal and maternal genes that the individual has inherited to recombinate. That means that the individual's gametes would have a tremendous amount of possible combinations of his/her inherited genes, making each gamete unique.
Also, meiosis usually entitles sexual reproduction (since the number of chromosomes is halved in the gametes, meaning that two gametes must fuse to create an offspring that has equal number of chromosomes as the parents). This means that there is a greater genetic variety in offspring!
greater genetic variety usually means better equiped species. That is because if an epidemic strikes (or whatever threat to the population...), some individuals would have genes that makes them immune. They would be naturally selected, thus they would leave more offspring and more of the population would eventually be immune. That is evolution!
2007-03-21 20:19:13 · answer #2 · answered by Motoko 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Meiosis allows for genetic recombination, and the resulting variation is necessary for natural selection. Without differences, there's no reason for some individuals to survive when others do not.
2007-03-21 20:08:42 · answer #3 · answered by ecolink 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Meiosis results in formation of gametes where genetic information have been mixed to produce a variety of characteristics in the offsprings. Mutation adds to this variation.
2007-03-21 20:10:27 · answer #4 · answered by Pur R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋