What is the outcome of meiosis in terms of chromosome number?

• A. Doubles the chromosome number.
• B. Halves the chromosome number.
• C. Keeps the same chromosome number.
• D. Triples the chromosome number.

Answer: (B)

Meiosis reduces the chromosome number. In the first division, homologous chromosomes pair and separate, so the cell goes from two sets to one set of chromosomes. In the second division, the sister chromatids separate, producing four cells, each with half the original chromosome count. This is why gametes have half the number of chromosomes, and fertilization restores the species’ typical diploid number. For example, a 46-chromosome human cell yields gametes with 23 chromosomes. Other options describe doubling, keeping, or tripling the number, which isn’t what meiosis does.