Final answer:
Meiosis differs from mitosis in producing four genetically distinct haploid daughter cells with half the chromosome number of the parent cell, introducing genetic diversity, whereas mitosis produces two identical diploid daughter cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The crucial differences between meiosis and mitosis are related to the genetic outcomes and the number of chromosomes in the resulting cells. Mitosis is a process that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. In contrast, meiosis consists of two rounds of nuclear division and produces four genetically distinct daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
In meiosis, unique events occur such as pairing of homologous chromosomes, crossing over, and separation of homologous chromosomes during the first division (meiosis I) which reduces the chromosome number by half. The second division (meiosis II) separates sister chromatids, similar to mitotic division. The introduction of genetic variation occurs through processes unique to meiosis such as crossover and independent assortment.
Sexual reproduction typically involves meiosis where haploid gametes produced from each parent combine during fertilization to form a diploid offspring, thus restoring the chromosome number and introducing genetic diversity.