How does meiosis contribute to genetic diversity?

Meiosis contributes to genetic diversity through independent assortment, crossing over, and random fertilisation.

Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. This process is crucial for sexual reproduction and is responsible for the genetic diversity seen in populations. The three main ways meiosis contributes to genetic diversity are through independent assortment, crossing over, and random fertilisation.

During the first division of meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material in a process known as crossing over. This results in new combinations of genes on each chromosome. For example, a chromosome might have a gene for blue eyes from the mother and a gene for tall height from the father. This mixing of genes creates unique combinations that contribute to genetic diversity.

In addition to crossing over, meiosis also involves independent assortment. This is the random distribution of maternal and paternal chromosomes into gametes. Each gamete ends up with a different combination of chromosomes, which means that each offspring will have a unique combination of traits from both parents. This further increases the genetic diversity within a population.

Finally, the process of random fertilisation also contributes to genetic diversity. This is the random union of a sperm and an egg, each carrying different genetic information. The resulting offspring will have a unique combination of genes from both parents, further increasing the genetic diversity within a population.

In conclusion, meiosis is a crucial process that contributes to genetic diversity. Through crossing over, independent assortment, and random fertilisation, meiosis ensures that each individual in a population is genetically unique. This genetic diversity is important for the survival and evolution of species.