Which statement best summarizes the importance of meiosis to reproduction?

a. it produces diploid cells that are needed for sexual reproduction.
b. it produces diploid cells that are needed for asexual reproduction.
c. it produces gametes that are needed for sexual reproduction.
d. it produces gametes that are needed for asexual reproduction.

The correct answer is:

C. It produces gametes that are needed for sexual reproduction.  

Explanation;

Meiosis generates genetic variation in offspring because the process randomly rearranges genes across chromosomes and then randomly assigns half of those chromosomes into each gamete. The two gametes then randomly combine to form a new organism. Meiosis is essential because it assures that all organisms conceived via sexual reproduction include the correct number of chromosomes.