Final answer:
Meiosis is the process that produces four genetically unique haploid gametes, unlike mitosis and fertilization. Through two stages, meiosis I and II, it generates genetic diversity crucial for evolution. The correct answer is C) Meiosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cellular process that produces four genetically unique haploid gametes is meiosis. During sexual reproduction, organisms need to produce gametes, which are haploid cells containing one set of chromosomes. These gametes are essential for the process of fertilization, where they combine to form a zygote with a complete set of chromosomes.
Meiosis is a two-stage process involving meiosis I and meiosis II. These stages each go through phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. The end result is four haploid daughter cells, each genetically unique due to processes like crossover in prophase I and random alignment during metaphase I.
Unlike mitosis, which creates two genetically identical diploid cells, or fertilization, which creates a diploid zygote from two haploid gametes, meiosis results in genetic diversity which is crucial for the evolutionary success of sexual reproduction. Thus, the correct option is C) Meiosis.