Final answer:
Mitosis produces genetically identical diploid cells through one division, while meiosis produces genetically varied haploid cells, such as gametes, in two divisions, contributing to genetic diversity in sexual reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
In animals, mitosis is used to produce diploid daughter cells, and meiosis is used to produce haploid gametes. Mitosis is a process where a single nuclear division results in two genetically identical diploid daughter cells, maintaining the same chromosome number as the parent cell. In contrast, meiosis involves two nuclear divisions that lead to four genetically distinct haploid cells, each with half the chromosome number of the diploid parent cell. Through meiosis, genetic variation is introduced in the gametes, which is a key advantage of sexual reproduction. In sexual life cycles, meiosis and fertilization alternate, allowing organisms to move between haploid and diploid stages, while mitosis is mostly responsible for growth and maintenance.