Final answer:
The specialized cells that perform meiosis in animals are found in the testes of males and the ovaries of females. These organs produce the haploid gametes, sperm and eggs, which combine to form a diploid embryo with a complete set of chromosomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Organs Specialized for Meiosis:
In animals, the two organs that contain specialized cells performing meiosis are the testes in males and the ovaries in females. These organs, known as gonads, are responsible for producing the reproductive cells, or gametes. In the testes, the process of meiosis results in sperm, whereas in the ovaries, it results in eggs. Both sperm and eggs are haploid cells, which means they carry half the amount of genetic material that is found in regular body cells, or diploid cells. This reduction in chromosome number is crucial for sexual reproduction, ensuring that when a sperm and egg combine, the resulting embryo has a complete set of chromosomes, half from the mother and half from the father.