Final answer:
Meiosis is the type of cell division that produces gametes. It introduces genetic variation and ensures genetic diversity through the production of haploid cells. The goal of meiosis is to enable sexual reproduction and produce cells with half the number of chromosomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Meiosis is the type of cell division that produces gametes. It is the process by which diploid organisms produce haploid cells that can fuse during fertilization to form diploid offspring. Unlike mitosis, which produces genetically identical cells, meiosis introduces genetic variation in the daughter cells. The goal of meiosis is to produce haploid cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell, which enables sexual reproduction and ensures genetic diversity.