Question

one of the purposes of meiosis is to ______.
○ increase genetic diversity in the diploid - starting cells
○ reduce the chromosome number in each resulting cell by half.
○ increase the number of embryos per fertilization
○ produce four zygotes instead of only two (as produced in mitosis)
○ double the number of chromosomes per gamete

Explanation:

Meiosis is a type of cell division that occurs in sexually - reproducing organisms. One of its key functions is to reduce the chromosome number. Diploid cells (with two sets of chromosomes) undergo meiosis to produce haploid cells (with one set of chromosomes). This is crucial for sexual reproduction because when gametes (sperm and egg, which are haploid) fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote is diploid.

• The first option is incorrect because meiosis increases genetic diversity in the haploid - resulting cells (gametes), not in diploid - starting cells. Genetic diversity in diploid cells is mainly from mitosis and other non - meiotic processes.
• The third option is wrong as meiosis is about gamete formation, not directly about the number of embryos per fertilization.
• The fourth option is incorrect. Meiosis produces four haploid cells (gametes), not zygotes. Zygotes are formed by fertilization.
• The fifth option is wrong. Meiosis reduces the chromosome number in gametes (from diploid to haploid), not doubles it.

Answer:

reduce the chromosome number in each resulting cell by half.