Why is meiosis necessary?

• A. To ensure haploid gametes are produced
• B. To increase genetic variability
• C. To restore the diploid number after fertilization
• D. To produce identical offspring

Answer: (C)

Meiosis is needed to keep the chromosome number stable across generations in sexually reproducing organisms. Since somatic (body) cells are diploid, gametes must be haploid so that when two gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote returns to the diploid state. Without meiosis, each generation would double the number of chromosomes, causing genomic instability. By forming haploid gametes, meiosis allows fertilization to restore the diploid number in the offspring. It also introduces genetic variation, but the essential necessity is restoring the diploid chromosome number after fertilization.