Importance of Meiosis for Evolution
Hello, I’m interested in evolution. Teacher said meiosis is very important for it. But how exactly? I know about mutation and selection, but what does meiosis do? Please explain in simple words.
6 Views
top of page
General Discussion
Public·239 members
bottom of page
Absolutely! Meiosis is key for variation in sexual reproduction. Full explanation of stages here phases of meiosis section.
Two big ways it helps evolution: 1. Crossing over in prophase I – exchanges pieces between maternal and paternal chromosomes → new gene combinations on one chromosome. 2. Independent assortment in metaphase I – maternal and paternal chromosomes line up randomly → huge number of different gamete combinations. Because of these, every gamete is unique. When sperm and egg combine, offspring have new genotype not exactly like parents. This variation is the raw material for natural selection. Without meiosis (and sexual reproduction) evolution would be much slower – only mutations. So meiosis + mutation = fuel for evolution.